3D Printers

Warm Up

1. Do you have a printer at home?

2. Have you seen a product of 3D printing?

3. Which one do you prefer: book or e-book?

Reading

In a world where 1.2 billion people lack adequate housing, the emergence of 3D printing technology offers a glimmer of hope. By harnessing the power of 3D printers, companies are revolutionizing the way homes are constructed, providing a potential solution to the global housing crisis.

At the forefront of this innovative approach are two companies, ICON and New Story, dedicated to tackling homelessness on a global scale. Together, they aim to leverage 3D printing technology to build affordable homes in developing countries, starting with a project to construct 100 homes in El Salvador.

What sets 3D printing apart is its remarkable efficiency and affordability. ICON has developed a groundbreaking method for printing one-floor, 60-square-meter houses out of cement in just a single day, at a cost of only $10,000. This represents a seismic shift from traditional construction methods, which are both time-consuming and prohibitively expensive.

The implications of this technology extend far beyond the immediate project in El Salvador. Alexandria Lafci, co-founder of New Story, recognizes the vast scale of the global housing challenge, with millions living in substandard conditions. While acknowledging that the initial 100 homes are just a drop in the ocean, Lafci sees potential for 3D-printed houses to become widespread in the future, even in wealthier nations.

Crucially, the technology is not confined to the realms of theory; it is ready for practical application. Lafci emphasizes that 3D-printed homes can already meet stringent safety and quality standards, making them a viable solution for communities in need. As the collaboration between ICON and New Story demonstrates, 3D printing has the potential to transform the way we approach housing, offering a beacon of hope for millions around the world who dream of a place to call home.

Reading Comprehension

1. What technology is mentioned as offering hope for addressing the global housing crisis?

2. What is the initial goal of the collaboration between ICON and New Story?

3. What is one significant advantage of 3D printing mentioned in the article?

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think about the idea of using 3D printing technology to address the global housing crisis?

2. Do you believe that 3D-printed homes could be a practical solution for homelessness in developing countries?

3. What advantages do you see in 3D-printed homes compared to traditional construction methods?

4. How might 3D printing technology change the way we think about housing in the future?

5. What challenges might arise when implementing 3D-printed housing projects in different countries?

6. How can communities benefit from having access to affordable and safe housing?

7. What do you think the future of housing might look like with the widespread adoption of 3D printing technology?

8. How can 3D-printed homes impact traditional construction jobs?

9. What will be the next steps for companies and organizations working on 3D-printed housing projects?

10. What concerns or criticisms do you have about the idea of 3D-printed homes?