[ExI] Predictions for 2008 from 1968

[Emlyn]

There was a lot of media buzz about "contour crafting" a few years ago
(basically, a big printer that deposits concrete).

eg:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4764-robot-builder-could-print-houses.html

Here's the guy's site:
http://www.contourcrafting.org/

-- 
Emlyn

http://emlynoregan.com

On 27/03/2008, Bryan Bishop <kanzure at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Wednesday 26 March 2008, Kevin Freels wrote:
> > I have been working on a complete tear down and rebuild of my home
> > for several years and sometimes it just amazes me how archaic the
> > processes are and how much technology goes into them. I have
> > high-tech lithium-ion powered framing nailers, a laser sliding mitre
> > saw, and an insulation blower but still what I am resorting to is
> > sticking shaped trees together with metal pins and cramming stuffing
> > into the middle to hold in the warmth. Even worse is the need to
> > thread the entire structure with pipes and wires. As much fun as I
> > have with the framing nailer I can't help but to be a bit
> > disappointed in my fancy log cabin from time to time. I should be
> > able to design the thing on my computer and just print my new rooms
> > with a giant ink-jet; power and plumbing integrated just like an IC
> > chip.
>
> Kevin, how about we design that sort of giant "inkjet" printer and
> publish the information on the internet, so that hopefully somebody
> could implement it should the opportunity arise. Obviously printable
> shelter is an important step in making sure we don't randomly die from
> weather and so on. I am sure that others have come up with interesting
> ways of designing houses.
>
> I remember Buck Fuller came up with the domes that you mention later in
> your message, in particular he had a few ideas for cheap, manufactured
> houses that are still on display in the Ford museums, made of the same
> metals as Boeings and other aircraft. But it never caught on for some
> reason. A modular design is possible, I don't see why we can't do this
> on our own.
>
> - Bryan
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