The UNDP is advancing sustainable housing in Colombia using WASP's Crane WASP, a large-format 3D printer that constructs buildings from natural materials like local dirt and agricultural waste. This versatile, mobile printer is ideal for challenging terrains and addressing housing shortages in rural areas such as forests, deserts, and mountains. With 3.7 million Colombian households facing a housing deficit, this technology offers a sustainable solution by eliminating the need for concrete and reducing energy consumption. The collaboration showcases innovative approaches to global challenges, potentially serving as a model for sustainable development in other regions.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plans to advance sustainable building projects in Colombia by using cutting-edge 3D printing technology provided by WASP (World's Advanced Saving Project). The organisation intends to utilise the Crane WASP, a large-format 3D printer known for its ability to print directly from natural resources such as agricultural waste and local dirt, thereby eliminating the need for concrete. A media outlet reported that this equipment is versatile and mobile, making it ideal for use in challenging terrains where large, stationary machines are impractical. Its low energy consumption also makes it suitable for remote areas, including deserts. UNDP aims to use this technology to address Colombia's housing shortages, particularly in rural regions like forests, deserts, and mountains.
Crane WASP is described as a modular collaborative 3D printing system. Unlike traditional construction cranes, it incorporates digital manufacturing techniques. The inspiration for Crane WASP came from the potter wasp, known for constructing its nests from natural materials. The development of this technology began in 2012, intending to create large-scale 3D printing capabilities that could construct buildings using locally sourced, natural materials. The Crane WASP system includes a main printer unit that can be configured in various ways depending on the printing area and the dimensions of the architectural structure that needs to be created. A single module has a print area with a diameter of 8.2 metres and a height of 3 metres. This module operates independently and can print with various materials, including cement, bio-cement, and natural dough. The system's modularity allows it to expand by adding additional traverses and printer arms, creating a digital manufacturing system with virtually limitless possibilities.
One key feature of the WASP Crane system is its adaptability during construction. Unlike traditional construction sites, where the entire site must be covered by the printing area, the WASP Crane system is reconfigurable and can adapt as the building progresses. The cranes can be moved and adjusted on-site by operators to match the evolving architectural design. When multiple WASP Cranes work together, they create an almost limitless printing area, allowing for the construction of large and complex structures.
As of 2023, Colombia is facing a significant housing challenge, with 3.7 million households, representing over a quarter of the nation's total, experiencing a housing deficit. The UNDP hopes that the Crane WASP's innovative technology will be instrumental in addressing this issue, especially in rural areas where traditional construction methods may be less effective or feasible. The application of the Crane WASP in Colombia is seen as a forward-thinking approach to tackling housing shortages while promoting sustainability. By using locally available natural resources and reducing the need for conventional building materials like concrete, the technology not only addresses immediate housing needs but also aligns with broader environmental goals.
In conclusion, the collaboration between UNDP and WASP signifies a significant step toward sustainable development in Colombia. The Crane WASP's ability to print structures using natural, locally sourced materials, coupled with its versatility and low energy consumption, positions it as a key tool in overcoming the country's housing challenges. As these efforts progress, they may serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, highlighting the potential of innovative technologies in addressing complex global issues.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
