Twenty-five 3D-printed benches made of concrete were installed on the Mircea cel Batran Boulevard in Chisinau. The benches are produced with the support of the “Sustainable Green Cities” project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Chisinau City Hall is the main project partner.

“The United Nations Development Programme supports innovative initiatives to modernize the city and improve the quality of people's lives. We are pleased that the people of Ciocana sector will have urban furniture created through smart technologies,” says Alexandru Rotaru, project manager at UNDP Moldova.

The benches are created using the 3 in 1 formula, incorporating in their structure the following elements: a recreational bench, a flower pot, and a garbage can. The benches are, to a large extent, the result of a computer’s work, human intervention being minimal. It is a modern technology that allows the creation of urban furniture of any shape, reduces production time and costs.

“I am delighted that innovative technologies are reaching the Ciocana sector. We want modern spaces that gather people and make them spend time together, socialize and feel part of our community,” notes Sinilga Scolnic, praetor of Ciocana sector.

The benches were produced by 3D Story LTD, the beneficiary of the Fast Track Challenge Program, launched in 2018 by the “Sustainable Green Cities” Project. The grant program supports new and innovative solutions for modern and environmentally friendly urban development. The total grant amount awarded to 3D Stroy was 7,700 USD, the company contributing with $3,300 USD.

“We like to spend our leisure time in comfortable and modern spaces. When we have spare time, we come to the alley to enjoy the time with the whole family. The benches are comfortable, the planted shrubs are pleasing the sight and cheering us up,” says Maria Chihai, resident of Ciocana sector.

Three companies were selected as winners of the Fast Track Challenge Program, the edition of 2018. The winning projects are: (1) 3D-printed benches (3D Stroy SRL); (2) Air quality measurement sensors (Orange Moldova SA); (3) New pedestrian crossings for people with limited mobility (Universal Acces SRL).

The “Sustainable Green Cities” Project will launch in May a new call for proposals under the Fast Track Challenge Program. The announcement will be published on www.md.undp.org and Facebook Green City Lab page. The maximum amount of a grant is 8,000 USD. The project proposals may be submitted by legal entities registered in the Republic of Moldova. Participants in the contest should cover a minimum of 30% from the total project’s value. The initiatives accepted in the competition will cover the following areas:

1. Urban mobility
2. Waste management
3. Energy efficiency and renewable energy sources use
4. Sustainable Urban Planning

The “Sustainable Green Cities” Project, with five-year duration: 2018-2022, has a total budget of 2.72 million USD, out of which 2.64 million USD are provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and 80,000  USD – co-funded by UNDP.