Frequently Asked Questions
Why Madagascar?
Why 3D printing? How does sustainability factor in?
How do you 3D print a school?
How will 3D printing solve the education crisis?
- We considered seven countries for our first 3D printed school and ultimately partnered with a local nonprofit in Madagascar based upon its stable political outlook in an emerging economy, opportunity for growth, as well as renewable energy potential. A large factor was our local partner, SEED Madagascar, who shares our mission of promoting education and community involvement.
Why 3D printing? How does sustainability factor in?
- 3D printed buildings use less concrete than the average building and shorten construction time, while supporting infrastructure integrity. Our cement mixture is able to withstand environmental pressure and will emit less CO2 compared to traditional concrete.
How do you 3D print a school?
- An architectural scale printer extrudes the construction material, building the walls from the ground up, layer by layer. The finished school will be a hybrid of 3D printed walls and locally-sourced materials for the construction of roof, doors, and windows.
- Through our local partnerships, we will teach community members how to use the 3D printer so that they can replicate the process to build more schools in the future.
How will 3D printing solve the education crisis?
- We cannot promise an end-all solution to all of the problems surrounding education, but we are promising a start. Lack of access to education is at the root of many of the world’s problems. In order to provide solutions to solve many of the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we must prioritize education.
- Insufficient investment in physical infrastructure is one of the largest barriers to education. 3D printing will bridge the opportunity gap while encouraging innovation and economic growth.