Construction 3D Printer

An automated 3D printing tool used to build life-size architectural forms such as houses, bridges, or other outdoor furniture and decoration. The blueprint or design of the structure is created virtually through specialized software, and the printing process needs human monitoring.

Various Construction 3D Printer models are emerging. While some look like a super-sized desktop gantry-style 3D printer, others are composed of a central rotating robotic arm. Both models use extrusion technology and deposit, through a nozzle, paste-type materials layer by layer, such as concrete, cement, sand, clay or soil. Currently, this technology can build only the frame and walls of the house, requiring other elements such as plumbing, electricity and windows to be installed separately.

Gender Equality

Challenges

• Currently, a male-dominated industry with few women participating; in general, 3D printing is still a non-diverse field. This could prevent women from entering and joining new architectural projects if this type of technology becomes the status-quo more rapidly than social integration.

• Urban sustainability is only achievable when the lives and diversity of its residents are taken into account throughout the planning and design of housing while remaining respectful of ecological impacts.

Opportunities

• Helps create gender-minded spaces in order to guarantee the safety and physical integrity of women on a larger scale.