3D-printed buildings

3D-printing is a popular term for additive manufacturing, which creates structures by extruding materials programmatically without use of molds. In recent years the technology has matured, "from a curiosity to a viable tool of the building trade". 3D-printed structures are now being produced around the world, with demonstrated gains in reducing costs and construction time. Some processes can lay down basic shells using concrete-type materials in less than a day for a fraction of the cost of conventional methods. The technique holds promise for both exotic structures that would be difficult to fabricate otherwise (for instance, intricately honeycombed wall sections), as well as ultra-low cost housing for humanitarian missions. While buildings are complex assemblies of many different types of structures and materials, the improvement of 3-D printing, and an expanding array of materials will provide a new set of tools for rapid construction.

This points towards a future of both novel structures with desireable and innovative characteristics, as well as a proliferation of potentially low-quality but highly affordable structures filling a need for basic shelter.