Yes, you can 3D print a school, and it has already been done in Malawi, Africa. 3D printing is a technology that can create physical objects from digital models by depositing layers of material on top of each other. 3D printing has many applications, from prototyping to manufacturing, from art to medicine, and from education to construction. In this article, we will explore how 3D printing can be used to build schools, why it is beneficial, and what are the challenges and opportunities for the future.
To 3D print a school, you need a 3D printer that can print large-scale structures, such as houses or buildings. There are different types of 3D printers that can do this, such as gantry-based, robotic arm, or cable-suspended printers. These printers use various materials, such as concrete, plastic, metal, or clay, to create the walls, floors, roofs, and other components of the school.
One example of a 3D printed school is the one built by 14Trees, a joint venture between LafargeHolcim and CDC Group, in Salima, Malawi, in June 2020. The school was printed in just 15 hours using a robotic arm printer and a specially formulated concrete mix. The school has two classrooms that can accommodate 50 students each, and it cost 50% less than a conventional school.
Why 3D Print a School
3D printing a school has many advantages over traditional methods of construction. Some of the benefits are:
Speed: 3D printing can reduce the construction time significantly, as the printer can work continuously and autonomously, without the need for manual labor or tools. This can help meet the urgent demand for schools in developing countries, where there is a shortage of qualified teachers and adequate infrastructure.
Cost: 3D printing can lower the cost of building a school, as it uses less material and energy, and eliminates waste and transportation costs. This can make education more accessible and affordable for low-income communities, especially in remote areas where conventional construction is difficult or expensive.
Quality: 3D printing can improve the quality and durability of the school, as it can create complex and customized designs, and optimize the use of material and space. This can enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the school, and make it more resilient to natural disasters and environmental factors.
Sustainability: 3D printing can reduce the environmental impact of building a school, as it can use renewable or recycled materials, and minimize the carbon footprint and pollution. This can contribute to the global goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting green development.
Challenges and Opportunities for 3D Printing Schools
3D printing a school is not without challenges, however. Some of the obstacles are:
Regulation: 3D printing a school requires compliance with local laws and standards, such as building codes, safety regulations, and quality assurance. This can pose a challenge for 3D printing companies, as they need to obtain the necessary permits and certifications, and ensure the reliability and performance of their products and services.
Education: 3D printing a school requires education and training for the stakeholders involved, such as the printer operators, the school staff, and the students. This can be a challenge for 3D printing companies, as they need to provide the appropriate knowledge and skills, and foster the acceptance and adoption of the technology.
Innovation: 3D printing a school requires innovation and collaboration for the development and improvement of the technology, such as the printer design, the material composition, and the printing process. This can be an opportunity for 3D printing companies, as they can leverage the potential and creativity of the technology, and partner with other actors, such as governments, NGOs, universities, and communities.
Conclusion
3D printing a school is a feasible and beneficial option for providing education in developing countries, where there is a lack of infrastructure and resources. 3D printing can offer a fast, cheap, high-quality, and sustainable solution for building schools, and can also create opportunities for innovation and collaboration. However, 3D printing also faces challenges, such as regulation, education, and innovation, that need to be addressed and overcome. 3D printing a school is not a magic bullet, but a promising tool that can complement and enhance the existing efforts to achieve universal and quality education for all.
