I have always had an interest in Architecture, which contributed in part to choosing a career in Real Estate. The many types of styles, methods of construction, and innovations along the way have always fascinated me, and now with some remarkable new advances in technology, there are even more ways to create more cost effective dwellings that people can happily habituate within.

Recent trends in Architecture that really stand out to me include portable micro-housing (picture a slick designer treehouse on wheels!) shipping containers converted to portable or permanent housing (innovatively designed, modified and stacked/sided together they can be really roomy and attractive) lane-way housing (a newer phenomenon in Vancouver to make better use of existing land), and now, 10 houses a day being printed in a giant 3-D printer.  http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-27156775   The idea that you can 3-D print something as useful and important as a house! provides wonderful promise for the future, and has the potential to go a really long way towards solving one of humanity's greatest problems: lack of adequate housing. 

Of course, the most basic human need is shelter, and so technology in it's best and truest application can really positively benefit those who suffer from inadequate housing. 3-D printing can make houses quickly, cheaply and has incredible potential to make a significant impact on people the world over.  Increasingly expensive construction costs can often severely restrict the ability for societies to create (or rebuild) housing, and provide not only adequate basic shelter for low income people and families, but efficiently designed spaces where people can live and thrive within. Imagine houses being printed in Haiti after the earthquake, or in emergency camps in areas of conflict - or better planned neighbourhoods in slums around the world...

3-D house printing is very new and I'm sure there are still kinks to work out. The Chinese company who owns the printer has plans to print 3-D skyscrapers! but current regulations are against this. More testing needs to be done over the longer term to ensure proper safety standards can be met. Still, as the technology evolves and more evidence builds to assure safety, this application hold incredible promise and I look forward to watching this new & exciting method unfold...