Dutch architects to build first 3D printed building.

You can't read the news today without seeing something about 3D printers and their possible uses.

Now Janjaap Ruijssenaars of Dutch firm Universe Architecture, is working with the Italian inventor of the D-shape 3D printer, Enrico Dini, to build the world's first 3D printed building.

The project is to create a two storey building, due for completion in 2014, using pieces made by the 3D printer.
It will be made by printing  6 x 9 metre chunks of frame, which will be made of sand and inorganic binder. The frame will be fitted together and then filled with fiber-reinforced concrete, to create a study and solid structure.

Ruijssenaars describes the project as, “One surface folded in an endless möbius band. Floors transform into ceilings, inside into outside. Production with innovative 3D printing techniques. Architecture of continuity with an endless array of applicability.”

First 3D photo booth

The world has seen the introduction of the first 3D photo booth and, yes, it is in Japan.

Rather than printing photos of you it prints a 3D model - absolutely brilliant.

You simply step into a normal photo booth and it prints out a tiny 3D figure. However its not cheap - your very own 3D model will set you back between $260 and $530. The prototype photo booth is in operation until January.

Here are some images of the great models that have been printed.

3D interactive art in Chinese exhibition

We don't now a great deal about this exhibition in China however these great interactive 3D art by South Korean artists caught our eye on Toxel.com.

Looks great fun.

See many more here.

3D lenticular images by The Saline Project

The Saline Project are a Brooklyn based trio who are best known for creating music videos for the likes of Eminem, 50cent, and The Cure.

Their most recent project focusses on evolving the gif format to something they're calling 3D lenticular… to great effect.

The Saline Project is an award winning group of artists and have worked on many projects including when they were commissioned by ABC to make a title sequence to 110 Stories (below) which involved manipulating photographs taken on 9/11 in New York to give them depth.

Find out more here.

Get 3D printing at home

Earlier this week we mentioned the Universal Construction Kit - a free downloadable selection of adaptors for some of the world's best loved construction kits. The only problem was that you needed a 3D printer to make them.

Well now you have the chance to get your very own 3D printer for your home.

According to their website, ' The MakerBot Replicator™ is the ultimate personal 3D printer, with single or dual extrusion (2-color printing)--and a bigger printing footprint, giving you the superpower to print things BIG!'

Have a look at what can be achieved in the video below. (And sorry but it will set you back $1,749).

Tesco launch augmented reality programme

British retailer Tesco is launching an ambitious augmented reality programme today that will let consumers see 3D images of more than 40 products online.

The technology requires a browser plugin then, after that consumers have to use a “marker” like a Tesco catalog or club card to active the augmented reality (AR). Users can then hold up images from the catalogue to their computer’s webcam to see a floating 3D version of the product.

For instance, an image of a TV set in the catalogue can be expanded onscreen so you can see its actual size and what it looks like on the back. The AR also lets you play with onscreen LEGO sets. Tesco worked with British tech firm Kishino on the project.

Tesco’s foray into AR comes as the technology recently made some serious inroads in the U.S. In one of the most high-profile AR pushes yet, Starbucks launched a Christmas programme this month that uses an iOS-based app to make its red holiday coffee cups project images of animated characters.

To use the programme click here, or to read more visit Mashable.