His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stated that the UAE has emerged as one of the primary incubators of innovation and future technology in the world today, and its focused initiatives to shape the future have become global models that can be emulated in all sectors.
“We implement what we plan, and we pursue actions, not theories. The rapidly changing world requires us to accelerate our pace of development, for history does not recognize our programs but our achievements,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said while the opening of the ‘Office of the Future,’ the first 3D-printed office in the world.
The unique building on the Emirates Towers premises will house the temporary office of the Dubai Future Foundation.
His Highness stated: “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. This is an experience we present to the world on implementing future technology in our lives, and it represents a new milestone for the UAE as a global leader in strategic achievements.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed pointed out that the competitive advantages of 3-D printing regarding lower costs and faster delivery will make the UAE one of the most important sustainable economic hubs, enabling the efficient use of this technology to establish future cities in all sectors.
The first 3D-printed office building of its kind in the world prepared for actual use has taken into account the integration of a unique building design and 3D-printing technology to offer essential services within the building, such as electricity, water, telecommunications and air-conditioning.
The 3D-printed office was constructed using a unique mixture of cement and a set of building material designed and made in the UAE and the United States.
An arc shape was adopted for the building for safety purposes and to ensure the stability of the building.
Innovative features have been utilized in the office building to reduce energy consumption such as window shades to offer protection from direct sunlight and keep the building cool.
The latest technology has been used in the management of information systems within the building.
A 3D-printer measuring 20 feet high, 120 feet long and 40 feet wide was used to print the building.
The labour involved in the printing process included one staff to monitor the function of the printer, in addition to a group of seven people to install the building components on site as well as a team of 10 electricians and specialists to take care of the mechanical and electrical engineering.
In order to manage the execution of the project, additional mobile printers were located at the construction site, in addition to the use of advanced computers to help ensure quality control, facilitate the printing processes, and form efficient and productive basement for different projects requirements.
The office was installed on site within two days, which is significantly faster than traditional construction methods involving A category office buildings in such an innovative project.
The initiative comes as part of Dubai 3-D Printing Strategy, which is a unique global initiative aimed to harness this promising technology for the service of humanity and promote the status of the UAE and Dubai as a leading global centre of 3-D printing by 2030.
