---

The City of Gold has decided to use 3D-printing for its newest showpiece building structure, using a 3D-printer to construct an innovative office space in just 17 days.

---

Words by Lauren Beeching

Dubai is the first in the world to create a 3D-printed office space which was revealed in the Dubai International Financial Centre on Monday 23 May. The impressive looking offices were later exposed on Twitter by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, signifying what an exciting conception this is after it was pointed out by His Highness that the project should act as a case study for the real-world application of 3D printing.

At the unveiling HH Sheikh Mohammed added, 'We announce today the opening of the first 3D-printed office in the world, after less than a month of launching Dubai 3D printing strategy, which showcases a modern model of construction.'

Incredibly the entire project only took 17 days to print and a further two days to install in the correct position. The offices not only look impressive but come with electricity, water, telecommunications and air conditioning right through the 250 sq m.

Only one person observed the print whilst in progress, and an additional 17 were used to install important components in each office. The 3D-printed offices are set in the gardens of Emirates Towers, with plans for these to act as temporary offices for the Dubai Future Foundation.

There are many interesting and vital uses for 3D-printing, including creating human organs from the patient's own cells, which are helping advance modern medicine. Other progressions in 3D-printing are for car parts and in the aerospace industry. 3D-printing can even be used for soon-to-be parents to hold their baby before the birth with an exact replica 3D-print of their unborn child.

Photo credit to Michael Shainblum Photography