In this inspirational talk, Ballard discusses what ICON is currently doing on Earth, the goal of building one billion homes in our lifetime to end the global housing crisis, and how the answers to problems we face may be found in the work ICON is planning for off-world construction.

It’s Time to Build

One billion homes. To put a dent in the global housing crisis, we need to build one billion homes in a lifetime and today we simply aren’t solving the problem fast enough. To build the future, we must change the way we design and build for a world that will enhance human happiness and flourishing. The future starts with 3D printing. The technology that can create a more sustainable and beautiful world will be the same technology that helps us become a spacefaring civilization.

Will cities of the future be built by robots and drones? Will humans colonize the Moon and Mars? Ballard’s featured talk "It's Time to Build" discusses humanity’s future and how architecture, design, robotics and sustainability can be in service to humanity and help us reimagine worlds.

Presenter in cowboy hat on SXSW 2022 stage with geometric star backdrop, addressing audience
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PBS NewsHour anchor Stephanie Sy joined Ballard on stage to discuss the future of home construction and dig in deeper on ICON's past, present and future.

Two speakers on SXSW 2022 stage with white couches, spotlighting construction technology and 3D-printed housing innovations
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