dear designboom reader,

3D printing can help bolster structures. when combined with other materials like glass fiber, it can produce protective facades like the web-like exterior of SAGA’s FLEXhab. it’s also possible to join the printed pieces together without a glue, as seen in kei atsumi's pavilion at dubai design week.

some designers turn to 3D printing to realize their personal projects. this may be the case with dr. d-flo and his solar-powered steamboat, printed using recycled plastic. YET architecture and BDM architects also use the process to customize standardized IKEA furniture into sculptural pieces.

thanks for reading!

matthew burgos | editor