3D PRINT EVERYTHING

Imagine being able to download and 3D print a new part for your vehicle. Maybe you need a want to design and 3D print a custom pair of shoes.  Sounds all Star Trek, "Beam me up, Scotty" but this reality is nearing our future.  

Desktop Factory sells a 25"x20"x20" desktop version for under $5000.  When 2D printers first hit the public market they began selling in the thousands as well.  

RepRap from Adrian Bowyer on Vimeo.

Machines that replicate themselves?  Use Build your own RepRap yourself for about $500 and use the machine to print another RepRap for your friends.

3D Printed cuisine?  The possibilities are endless

RAMMED EARTH IN AUSTIN

It has been estimated that 30% of the world’s population uses earth as a building material, according to the "all-knowing" Wikipedia.  So why is the U.S. and Austin, our #6 ranked Smart City, so resistant to rammed earth?

Rammed earth construction is not just for homes adapting to arid climates.  Although you may not get the full thermal mass benefits that earth walls have to offer in arid climates of extreme day/night temperature changes, rammed earth is still a very cost effective, durable, attractive, and green option for Austinites.  read more at Austin Green Building Examiner ...

WALKING ON WATER

Hey Moses, ever dreamed of waling on water? HydroFloors can make it happen. Turn your urban patio into a pool and back into a patio at your leisure.

UK PAVILLION ONLINE VIRTUAL TOUR

Thomas Heatherwick and Troika collaborate for a hairy pavillion structure for the Shanghai World's Expo 2010. The design consists of 60,000 transparent rods each filled with a plant seed. According to the pavillion's website, "The UK Pavilion encourages you to look at the role of nature and wonder whether it could be used to solve the current social, economic and environmental challenges of our cities."

Cant visit Shanghai? Experience the virtual tour instead.