Dubai’s Museum of the Future to Build a Futuristic Headquarters

When the word “museum” is mentioned, surely dinosaur bones, centuries old portraits and sculptures, and maybe some mummies or cavemen spring to mind. Dubai’s newest museum, announced earlier this year, is not focused on preserving the past, but rather on envisioning the future.

“See the future, create the future” is the motto of The Museum of the Future. Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and slated to open in 2017, its temporary headquarters will be built by WinSun Global. WinSun Global is a joint venture between Chinese 3D printing technology firm WinSun and international investors. Global architecture and engineering firms Gensler, Thornton Thomasetti, and Syska Hennessy will also be participating.

While some are skeptical that this is merely a publicity stunt, or an attempt to grab media attention, the fact remains that this 2,000 square foot structure will be printed, layer by layer, piece by piece, using a 20-foot tall 3D printer. The pieces will then be brought on site and assembled in a matter of weeks. Also, not only will the exterior of the building be 3D printed, the interior furniture, detailing, and structural components will also be produced with 3D printing.

The potential savings in production time, labor costs and construction waste are huge, implying that this type of construction will not only gross a higher economic return, but increased sustainability.

To see a walkthrough of The Museum of the Future, click here.