Thijs Koeleman
thijskoeleman@gmail.com

The design for the waste management center for the Maldives makes use of modern day technology to cope with the problems these islands face. Because there are hundreds of islands there is no good funded collaboration to face the waste issue. Besides, islands within an atoll need to be very independent as they are hard to reach. Constructing a waste management center is another big issue, together with the local available materials which can be used. The use of drones and 3D printers will give a solution to these problems. Drones can solve the problem of the waste distribution, as well for transporting small goods. 3D printers can do more for an island itself, because waste can be transformed into printer filament. It is even possible to create a 3D printer from electronic waste, so people can start a local business. When islands can create their own 3D printable products they can rely more on themselves instead being dependent on the world. The design of the waste management center relies on the possible uses of the 3D printer. The whole structure of the building is printed and the form of the building helps to collect rainwater, sunlight and natural ventilation while keeping the waste inside. The hill like shape makes it easy accessible for people to get to local businesses and creates a border between waste and upcycled product. The best thing about 3D printed objects is that they can be fully taken apart and made ready to print again, so this development will boost an islands circular economy.