Their use has been brought up to date by 3D printing, which can produce the most sophisticated models quickly and cheaply. These models allow the structure to be personalised in depth, to test different options, even during the course of the project, and thus to make the most informed decisions.

This application is all the more important as it helps us to respond to fundamental social issues: building shelters for the homeless quickly and at a lower cost, or imagining eco-responsible and sustainable habitats, for example.