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About this podcast
Firstly, thank you to the team at Newstalk for inviting me on air to discuss the future of housing, and whether or not 3D printing has the potential to solve many of the world's current so called "housing crises."
While 3D printing, today at least, is still in its infancy we have already seen a large number of construction projects around the world leverage the technology to 3D print everything from communities, family homes, and military barracks to government offices, up to 90 percent faster than we can build houses using traditional techniques and for up to 80 percent less cost. And, as the technology and the processes are refined, as the speed increases and as the costs decrease further, in time it's very difficult to see why this won't be the way all future buildings are built.
Printed projects have been up to 90 percent faster than traditional building. Even if the technology is young, a gap of that size changes how long a project takes and how it is planned. Leadership teams in construction, property and public services should test their timelines against it.
Cost pressure may ease over time.
The session cites savings of up to 80 percent against traditional methods. Matthew expects speed to rise and costs to fall as the processes are refined. Organisations that depend on housing supply should plan for that direction.
Printing may become the default.
Printed projects already span communities, family homes, military barracks and government offices. Matthew finds it hard to see why this will not be how all future buildings are built. Treat it as a likely route, and decide now where to watch and where to pilot.
Three questions for your next leadership meeting
Which of our building projects could be tested against printed methods?
What would a 90 percent faster build do to our plans?
Who in our supply chain is exposed if printing becomes standard?
The trends and technologies behind this session
From the 311 Starburst, the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit’s map of the technologies and trends shaping the next 50 years.
It suggests that housing supply could be reshaped by printed construction, which has run up to 90 percent faster and up to 80 percent cheaper in early projects. Organisations should review how their plans depend on traditional build speed and cost.
How does the 3D Printed Buildings trend relate?
It is the direct subject of the session. 311 data describes giant printers building homes and structures layer by layer from concrete and other materials, with wide use expected around 2036 and an action level of Watch.
How does the Housing Affordability Crisis trend relate?
It is the problem the interview asks printing to help solve. 311 data describes home prices and rents that have outrun incomes, and rates it Act now.
How does Factory Built Housing relate, and how can 311 brief our leadership team?
Factory built housing is another route to faster supply, with governments backing it, and 311 rates it Explore. 311 can brief your leadership team through a private executive briefing or leadership workshop, tailored to your sector, in person first.
Bring this to your leadership teamA private executive briefing or leadership workshop, tailored to your sector. In person first, anywhere in the world.
Analysis by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit, from Matthew Griffin’s session and 311 data.
If Matthew gave this session today
Hundreds of emerging technologies, mapped for industry.
The codex explores hundreds of emerging technologies and their implications for global culture, industry and society, the long-range view that any 2080 infrastructure strategy depends on.
