In today's Daily Detroit, we get into the intersted world of 3D printed houses and the future of architecture with two distinguished guests from Lawrence Technological University: Karl Daubmann, Dean of the College of Architecture and Design, and Sara Codarin, Assistant Professor of Architecture. 

As Metro Detroit continues to be a hub of innovation, the conversation sheds light on how technology is transforming the construction industry and what this means for the future of home building. 3D printing in construction is not just a buzzword; it represents a significant shift in how we approach building homes. Karl and Sara discuss their ongoing project in Southfield, where they are exploring the possibilities of 3D printed houses.

This project, close to their campus, serves as a research initiative to analyze the cost, time, and value of integrating 3D printing into home construction. Their goal is to understand how this technology can be applied to create customizable, sustainable, and efficient housing solutions. One of the key highlights of the discussion is the potential for 3D printing to bring a new level of customization to home building.

Traditional construction methods often limit design freedom, but with 3D printing, architects can explore new relationships between spaces and create unique, personalized homes. This tech also opens up opportunities for integrating automation in construction, offering a solution to the aging workforce in the trades and potentially attracting new talent to the field. Karl and Sara caution against viewing 3D printing as a cost-cutting miracle. Like any new technology, it starts as a high-performance, luxury option before becoming more affordable as it gains wider adoption. The focus, for now, is on the added value and dignity it can bring to housing, rather than immediate cost savings. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of automation in construction, like the potential for increasing housing density and addressing the challenges of urban sprawl in metro Detroit. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of architecture and construction. It offers a look into the innovative projects happening right here in Detroit and highlights the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize the way we build and live. 

Learn more about PLOP Design: https://plop.design/

Learn more about Lawrence Tech: https://www.ltu.edu/

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