The proposed new icons have colour gradients, adding more depth to the layers, confirming that 3D is very much back. This makes them feel more fun perhaps – less dull and serious Microsoft Office.

BIG and ICON have collaborated on other projects that test the material, including Wolf Ranch in Georgetown Texas, a 100-home neighbourhood that will be the largest 3D-printed community in the world.

Space agency NASA has awarded construction company ICON a $57 million contract to develop 3D-printing technology to build roads, launchpads and homes on the moon's surface. The contract, worth $57 ...