Utilising digital technologies to enable more sustainable construction in remote areas
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Alex Tohidi and Mohamed Gomaa checking the toolpath of the 3D printer . Photo : Aurora Hui Qi .
The problem
The construction , operation and maintenance of buildings makes up almost a quarter of Australia ’ s greenhouse gas emissions . The use of carbon-intensive materials , such as steel and concrete , as well as the energy associated with construction and its supply chains are significant contributors . This increases exponentially for building in remote areas where heavy machinery and materials need to be transported to site .
Our solution
Pairing traditional building techniques with digital technologies can help us build more sustainably , says Dr Kate Dunn from UNSW ’ s School of Built Environment . Digital fabrication , such as 3D printing and robotics , reduces the labour intensity , energy consumption and environmental impact associated with construction .
Kate Dunn is an architectural designer exploring 3D printing , digital fabrication and robotics . Her research integrates traditional material processes with emerging technologies for diverse applications , from marine ecology ( 3D-printing reef habitats for endangered seahorses and seagrass ) to medicine ( 3D-printing bones for training paediatric surgeons ).