World’s first 3D printed school changes the face of education in Madagascar

In Fianarantsoa, Madagascar, Thinking Hutspartnered with architectural design agency Studio Mortazavi and Finnish company Hyperion Robotics to create the world’s first 3D-printed school.

According to the organization, 3D printing uses less concrete than other methods, and its 3D cement mixture emits less carbon dioxide than traditional concrete. As a result, building a new school in under a week is possible while minimizing the related environmental impact. Among other benefits, this innovation employs locally sourced materials and generates less waste by building objects layer by layer.

Through this project, Thinking Huts aims to widen access to education and address the lack of investment in physical infrastructure, one of the main contributors to the low education rate in Madagascar.

Why does it matter? The absence of educational buildings is a massive impediment in many countries, especially those lacking labour and building resources. This issue will be particularly crucial in a post-pandemic world. Indeed, UNICEF estimated that 1.6 billion children worldwide are in danger of falling behind because they don’t have access to the Internet or proper devices to receive online education.

Getting children back in the classrooms will, therefore, be key to ensure proper education everywhere. In this context, 3D printing might be the solution to achieve this feat.