Frequently Asked Questions
Why Madagascar?
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 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 values of education and community involvement.
- 3D printing decreases the amount of concrete used, decreases construction time, and supports infrastructure integrity. The cement mixture we will use withstands environmental pressure and significantly decreases CO2 emissions when compared to traditional concrete.
How do you 3D print a school?
- An architectural scale printer will extrude the construction material by 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 rest of construction (roof, doors, windows, etc).
- In our local partnerships, we will teach community members how to use the 3D printer so that they may replicate the processes in future school builds.
How will 3D printing solve the education crisis?
- We are not promising an end to all the problems that surround education but we are promising a start. 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.
- In order to solve many of the SDGs, we must get to the root of the issue which is education. Education lifts economies, prevents health epidemics, and empowers communities with the fundamental skills to create more solutions.