Adoption of Three-Dimensional Printing Technology in Public Housing in Singapore: Drivers, Challenges, and Strategies

Abstract

Although emphasis has been placed on three-dimensional (3D) printing technology that can alleviate increasing demand and low-productivity issues in public housing developments, limited research has been conducted to examine perceptions surrounding this technology in the context of public housing projects in the built environment industry. Hence, this study aims to investigate the perceptions of practitioners working in the industry concerning the drivers, challenges, and strategies for 3D printing technology, together with the status quo of its implementation. To achieve these goals, nine drivers, eight challenges, and seven strategies were identified through a comprehensive literature review, followed by a structured questionnaire survey administered to industry practitioners. Based on the survey analyses, the top three drivers, challenges, and strategies were identified, and the differences in perceptions according to respondents and their organizational characteristics were explored. Moreover, postinterviews were carried out with several industry professionals to further substantiate the analyses results. The results serve as a starting point for the industry to reap the benefits from additive manufacturing technology throughout the project life cycle. This study contributes to the body of knowledge relating to the adoption of 3D printing technology in the industry, improving productivity in public housing projects and moving toward more sustainable and cleaner delivery processes in the built environment industry.