We’ve heard it time and time again: one of the biggest crises facing different regions of the world is the lack of housing in different areas. Whether in the US, India, the EU or elsewhere, many countries are facing what is known as a housing deficit, where the number of houses needed for an area’s population is lacking. And in South America, Colombia is the worst affected. Fortunately, there may now be a solution. It looks like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is turning to 3D printing to help with construction in the country.
In Colombia, 3.7 million households (more than a quarter of the country’s total) will be affected by a budget deficit in 2023. This is exacerbated by the fact that two out of three of these families also need to make structural improvements to their homes, according to the World Bank. The problem has become so severe that the Colombian government is actively working to close the gap, especially through the National Development Plan 2023-2026, and improve access to housing for lower-income households. This is where the UNDP also comes into play, now marked by the acquisition of a Crane WASP 3D printer to be used in the construction of buildings and services.
UNDP uses 3D printing in construction in Colombia
For those who may not know, UNDP is a United Nations agency working to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable economic growth and human development. It is currently active in 177 countries and territories, including Colombia. And the decision to move to 3D printing as part of the Crane WASP is a significant milestone for the work in the region.
We’ve already told you about the Crane WASP. Unlike other 3D printing solutions for the construction sector, the printer does not use concrete, but can print directly with local soil and natural materials such as agricultural waste. Given UNDP’s commitment to sustainable development, it seems understandable that this 3D printer was chosen for construction in Colombia.
In addition, the large-format 3D printer, inspired by the Potter Wasp, is versatile and mobile, meaning it can even be used in difficult terrain where large, stationary machines cannot reach. In addition, it has low energy consumption, meaning it can even be used in remote desert areas. This is especially important given that the lack of adequate housing in Colombia is most prevalent in rural areas, including forests, deserts and even mountains.
The Crane WASP 3D printer
In a press release on this news, WASP points out that the purchase of the Crane WASP by the UNDP “fulfills exactly the vision that inspired the creation of the WASP project: to develop technologies that bring real benefits to humanity through innovation and research.” The company also says it hopes that the widespread use of these 3D printers for construction will help overcome geographical limitations and expand access to more sustainable construction methods. What is certain is that 3D printing for construction is becoming increasingly popular and the UNDP may use it in other countries as well.
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*All photo credits: WASP
