I wrote about Enrico Dini a couple of years ago. Enrico has developed a 3D printing technology large enough to print buildings. Yes, buildings. It uses sand combined with an inorganic binder to print structures in stone with no human intervention. Constructions which are strong, cheap, environmentally-friendly, and rather amazing.
The technology allows the design of structures that are architecturally complex and so opens up a whole new range of potentiality. There’s something very Gaudi-esque about the structures which have been built so far, which is no bad thing at all. Enrico believes that his technology will ‘revolutionise the way architectural design is planned, and building constructions are executed’, and it’s difficult not to see the possibilities. The current focus is on building a version of the printer that can be used on building sites everywhere.
I love the scale of his vision. No mucking about with printing small plastic objects here. Judging from what I’ve read of his story, it seems to have been an ambition that he has pursued at much cost. And I’ve read now that a documentary film is being made about his journey. Definitely one to watch out for.
Original post: http://neilperkin.typepad.com/only_dead_fish/2012/05/the-man-who-prints-houses.html
