Floating foam , derived from carbon foam , could be used to address the housing crisis by 2050 , according to futurologist Dr Ian Pearson . In a report published by Virgin StartUp and Colmore Tang Construction , Pearson also predicted that concrete , biometric roofs and 3D - printed walls could change the construction industry within the next few years . The report predicted a scenario of drones carrying materials up building sites , and artificial intelligence being used to check that builders ' plans are being developed correctly .
Floating buildings, made from carbon foam, could be used to address the housing crisis by 2050, according to futurologist Dr Ian Pearson. In a report commissioned by Virgin StartUp and Colmore Tang Construction, Pearson also predicted that drones, biometric roofs and 3D-printed walls could change the construction industry within the next few years. The report outlined a scenario of drones carrying materials up building sites, and artificial intelligence being used to check that architects' plans are being developed correctly.