Dubai launched the world's first 3D-printed office

Dubai announced that it will build the world's first 3D-printed office. Dubai architects state that 3D printing technology will greatly reduce construction costs and will hasten the development of Dubai's skyline.

The 2,700-square-foot (250 square meters), single-story building consists entirely of 20 foot (6 meters) 3D-printed layers, which were assembled at the spot. Most of the furniture in the office building is also made by a 3D printer. Dubai officials highlighted again the benefits of 3D printing, like the cost effectiveness and the future potential for the Dubai skyline.

The United Arab Emirates Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mohamed Al Gergawi, said it is estimated the technique could cut building time by 50-70 percent and labor costs by 50-80 percent. He said in a statement: "3D technology will become a major architecture and design method, and this building is a good proof of that”. This is the first 3D-printed building in the world, and it's not just a building, it has fully functional offices and staff," explained the United Arab Emirates Minister of Cabinet Affairs. This project is a result of a seven-nation alliance, using cutting-edge technology to create this new building, which makes Dubai the world's scientific and technological innovation center.

The construction of the building costed a mere $140,000, which is about half the price of a comparable structure built with conventional methods. It will serve as the temporary headquarters for the Dubai Future Foundation. In 2017, the structure is scheduled to become the home of Dubai's Museum of the Future.