The world’s very first fully functional, and permanently occupied, 3D printed building has been completed in Dubai. Set to open its doors in 2020, the new build, which is going to be a museum titled: The Museum of the Future, is one of the most advanced buildings on the planet. Located near the high-profile Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, the building is already being defined as an architectural masterpiece. Enhancing the urban landscape of Dubai, the museum is designed to be a popular destination for tourists, residents and fellow architects/building enthusiasts, to learn about the future now. Offering a space that will teach its visitors about the realities of what we can expect from upcoming technologies means people can glance into the future. It will become the must-be destination for experts, innovators, scientists, engineerings, and creatives from all corners of the globe, who aim to shape and design the future. Currently, the building is the temporary housing for the Dubai Future Foundation, alongside an exhibition space and incubator for emerging technologies. The building itself has been manufactured through an additive concrete printing technique, using a 6 meter high, 36.5 meters long and 12 meters wide, 3D Printer. Cladding was created through insulated panels that were custom cut to form the complex geometry of the facade. Various senses and probes on the building provide continuous feedback on its structural performance that can offer designers valuable information in relation to the future of 3D printing, and how can this can work for high rise builds. Already, Dubai is an established hub for innovation and the new design stands to further encourage future thinking within the city. The museum will support the development of long terms solutions to the challenges and requirements of the future on a local, regional and international scale. Given the advances in prefabrication, materials and robotics that are coming to the attention of the world, it is not difficult to imagine how this one-storey build, could be reproduced at much greater heights in the near future. Transforming the aesthetics and workings of cities across the planet.  

The Middle Eastern city of Dubai is home to some of some of the most beautifully designed real estate projects in the world. The fascinating architectural gems and the breathtaking skyline that the city features are bound to impress everyone. From Burj Khalifa – the tallest tower in the world to Burj Al Arab – the only-seven star hotel in the world, Dubai never falls short of masterpieces. Let’s have a look at some of the best real estate projects in Dubai that define beauty and luxury: Muraba Residences Located on the eastern crescent of the beach community of Palm Jumeirah, The Muraba Residences has been designed by none other than the winners of the 2017 Pritzker Prize, RCR Arquitectes. Defining minimalist international design aesthetics, the development is known for its choice of soft colours and organisation of spaces. The open-plan living areas have been specially designed for natural light to flood in. The full-length glass doors help create a direct connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. In order to provide its residents with complete privacy, the property features louvered-glass slats that are moulded with a rippling pattern and are incorporated into the building’s facades, thereby restricting views into the residences but keeping the views on the inside looking out. Palm Couture Residences Palm Couture is located on the Palm Island and beautifully combines contemporary minimalism and clarity of detail and complements its residents with a customised living experience. The architects of this project have paid close attention to views, nature, light, and balance, resulting in the homes feature ample light and space, against a stunning assortment of exquisite stones. Palm Couture consists of fourteen residential suites are unique and something that Dubai had not witnessed before. In order to play with natural shadows, the development also features travertine facades that help create unique geometric forms. The best of materials from timeless Italian brands have been used in the project which can be an ideal abode or those who appreciate nature, space, light, and design. Serenia Residences This architectural beauty on the Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent features architectural excellence and contemporary design. Providing its residents with a tranquil living experience, Serenia Residences also has on offer classy furniture, contemporary interiors and a modern open floor plan. The simplistic contemporary architecture of the development combines gorgeous vistas, cantilevered glass and wrap-around balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows and high-end finishes. The uniqueness of this property lies in the fully retractable glass windows, translucent glass panels in all the rooms that have been used for the first time in Dubai. One Palm The masterpiece of One Palm is located on the trunk of The Palm Jumeirah and features detailed craftsmanship. It has been built using the finest of materials and has been finished to the highest of standards. Reflecting modern and sleek designs, the development also hosts the most expensive penthouse of Dubai. One Palm has been designed by New York-based architects Soma and stands 100 metres tall and is home to 90 apartments, arranged methodically to provide the residents with unobstructed views of Palm to the north and Marina to the south while also maintaining their privacy. Each of the homes also features private outdoor space, proportional to their size. 22 Carat Club Villas Located on the Western Crescent of the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah, XXII (22) Carat Club Villas hosts 22 luxury homes that reminds one of the Renaissance period. The villas feature facades that are classically Italian and are inspired by the architecture of the Tuscan region. The homes come with stucco work, classical columns, pergolas, arched doors, and walkways. They also feature Terracotta finishes, pastel colours, handmade ceramics, and wall paintings. European furniture and fittings add to the Mediterranean feel of the homes. Placed in a terrace structure, every row of the villas has been built on a different level.

Across New York City, high rise buildings, skyscrapers and unique statement designs are nothing new, but next year is to see a new venture taking place, that aims to redefine luxury high rise living. The latest in sky scraping buildings has been proposed through a superior luxury residential development in Midtown, Manhattan, NYC. Sporting 179 high end units and standing at a whopping 1,550ft tall, the new Central Park Tower will be the second huge scale project to come from the Extell Development Company taking place on 57th Street. This will be the tallest apartment building in the city so far, and with asking prices hitting the $100 million mark per unit, it could very well be the most expensive too. A decade of planning with some of the world’s most talented architects, in collaboration with renowned engineers and designers, has formed the new structure. Alongside housing, the tower will offer 50,000 sq ft of amenity spaces, that include an indoor pool and club lounge on the 100th floor. The ground floor will be home to a 320,00 sq ft department store already bought by Nordstrom. The marketing group at Extell Development expect the first residents to move in late 2019 and are hoping that the building will house a whopping 8 bedroom unit over 17,500 sq ft that will carry a hefty nine digit price tag. Extell Development are co-developing the new tower in collaboration with affiliates of China’s Shanghai Municipal Investment Group, SMI USA, and aim to introduce a level of design never seen before. With the luxury apartments not standing cheap, the development comes at a similar time to JDS’s latest venture, who aim to open 46 new units, also on 57th Street, with prices ranging from $18 million – £57 million.  

The Messe Frankfurt Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development, have collaborated to co-organise the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This stands as the 13th Eco Expo Asia show to be held in Hong Kong, which takes place between the 25th and 28th of October. Showcasing 330 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions across this globe, with around 14,000 expected visitors. Messe Frankfurt create innovative network platforms and organise some 150 trade fairs annually, both in Frankfurt and at various other locations around the world, it stands as the largest trade fair on the planet. The Hong Kong Trade Development is a statutory body, dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong businesses. With a mission to connect companies to business partners across the globe, the collaboration stands as one of excitement. The Eco Expo Asia event is an environmental trade platform that welcomes various industries to showcase their environmental products and solutions. This year the Eco Expo Asia will debut the: Smart Construction for Quite pavilion, which aims to discuss green building products and solutions for noise-related construction issues, a key concern for many rapidly developing cities and regions within Asia. Amongst the highlights of the showcased products and innovations, will be two sets of hybrid construction excavators from renowned Japanese manufacturer, KOBELCO. These excavators produce low carbon emissions, very little noise and offer a demonstration that a more environmentally friendly solution for the construction industry, and other businesses beyond that, is possible. Every year Eco Expo Asia welcomes overseas pavilions and large amounts of group participation, and 2018 will see the largest Chinese Pavilion to date. With the debut of exhibitors from Hunan and Inner Mongolia, as well as from a number of cities in the Greater Bay Area. Returning Pavilions to the event include participants from Austria, Europe, Canada, State of Bavaria, Korea, Japan and Switzerland. The event allows for buyers and attendees to become aware of what market intelligence is available in exploring green products, for a more environmentally secure future. Mr Urs Heutschi, CEO of Swissenviro, commented on the return of the Switzerland Pavilion: “Eco Expo Asia is a well-organised international trade fair in an important environmental market, covering relevant and current environmental issues with a strong focus on sustainability. As the organiser of the Swiss pavilion it is a pleasure to return and work. Each year there is a high demand from Swiss companies who wish to participate at the expo due to its regional location as well as the number of quality visitors from South China and Southeast Asia.” The Smart Construction for Quiet symposium, will take place on the fair’s very first day, providing a unique opportunity for acoustic professionals, architects, site engineers, noise control practitioners, and build and civil contractors, to learn about the latest policies, and the best ways to tackle noise construction problems. The full day event gathers experts on an international scale and gives industry leaders the change to deliver their knowledge to other, like-minded, establishments. A wide range of environmental product categories will be featured, including green buildings and energy efficient green transportation, alongside water treatment and quality management. After its debut at last year’s event, the Startup Zone will also make a re-appearance, aiming to encourage greener start-ups from new up and coming companies.