Dior and the big surprise: a 3D printed pop-up store with eco-sustainable materials

To showcase its latest collections in a fresh, innovative way, the luxury fashion house Dior has partnered with WASP (World’s Advanced Saving Project), a leading Italian specialist in 3D printing technology. This collaboration brings a cutting-edge blend of craftsmanship and sustainability to the forefront. The setting for this impressive undertaking?

Jumeirah Beach in Dubai—an iconic location globally renowned for pushing the boundaries of creativity and modernization. Here, Dior’s latest pop-up store takes shape, making both a style and environmental statement. What truly sets this pop-up apart is its groundbreaking construction.

Dior and the big surprise: a 3D printed pop-up store with eco-sustainable materials

The two modular structures housing Dior’s collections were intricately 3D printed using eco-friendly, natural materials. The exterior walls boast the brand’s signature cannage motif, seamlessly blending luxury with sustainability. This harmonious marriage of tradition and technology creates a space that not only embodies elegance but also reflects a forward-thinking approach to design—a perfect match for today’s conscientious fashion world.

For this project, the manufacturer used the Crane WASP collaborative 3D printing system to create structures that are not only durable but also have a luxurious look.

Using advanced digital construction techniques, WASP was able to 3D print the circular building and optimize the resources used in such a way that the ecological impact was significantly reduced (compared to traditional construction methods).

The structures of the Dior concept store were created using two simultaneous Crane WASP printers: with this setup, construction required minimal human intervention.

The total surface area is 80 square meters and 55 tons of printing material were used. The modular structures were printed in 120 hours.

When it comes to ecological approach in architecture and construction, WASP is an innovative player. Most architectural designs using additive manufacturing use concrete, which has a huge carbon footprint. In October 2019, WASP began working with architecture specialists from the Italian School of Sustainability to plan the TECLA greenhouse project. The TECLA project was completed in early 2021, setting the stage for future projects like this Dior pop-up, which allows the company to advance its research into sustainable building materials.

The Crane WASP printer can transform natural stone into usable building material. The printer also has the ability to use construction debris to create new materials.

Additionally, Crane WASP can mix geopolymers and clay to create building material, although, according to WASP’s website, this particular feature is still in the research and development stage. You can learn more about the Crane WASP and Dior project HERE.