Since the early 1990s, 3D printing has changed how ideas move from digital concepts to physical objects. This technology has made it easier and faster for students, entrepreneurs, and researchers to create functional prototypes at a lower cost.
At Universidad Del Valle De Guatemala (UVG), the D-Hive makerspace is focused on turning community ideas into real prototypes. Located on the first floor of the university’s CIT-UVG building, D-Hive was established as a place where members of the UVG community can connect, develop their talents, and put innovation into practice.
"Here creativity is encouraged—thinking up ideas and building them. In fact, D-Hive was created with the intention of being a space where no formal classes are given; instead, people come to create and turn what they have in mind into reality," said the Vice Rector for Research, Outreach and Development.
The history of makerspaces at UVG dates back to 2015 when facilities dedicated to prototyping were set up across its three campuses: Central Campus, Altiplano Campus, and South Campus. The Central Campus location began on the third floor of Building J. Since 2018, it has hosted activities such as the Women in Engineering program that aims to increase female participation in fields with traditionally low representation. Initially serving about 50 participants, this program expanded virtually to reach 400 young women. During this period, D-Hive printed kits for participants so they could join courses remotely.
With the construction of CIT-UVG, D-Hive moved to its current space on the first floor to broaden its mission: encouraging big thinking within UVG’s community by building prototypes that address societal challenges. Despite pandemic-related closures, staff at D-Hive continued working intensively—producing over 600 protective face shields for healthcare workers during that time.
D-Hive also developed a low-cost ventilator based on an open-source design during this period and supported courses like Women in Engineering by providing necessary equipment.
Recently, UVG recognized Dina and Mario Nathusius Gerstenhaber for their support in strengthening D-Hive’s resources. According to UVG’s rector: "The spouses Dina and Mario Nathusius... always maintain a vision of contributing to Guatemala through education." Their backing helped make possible a dedicated space for creation at UVG.
During a recognition ceremony at UVG, Dina Nathusius addressed younger generations: "For us it is very important—the concept means that each person’s commitment is to create something that makes our world better than how we found it."
Every day more than 150 people visit D-Hive for class projects or entrepreneurial work such as graduation theses. The makerspace features several specialized areas:
- A 3D printing and design area with desktop printers as well as one large-format printer suitable for bigger pieces or advanced materials.
- A modeling area used mainly by Product Design students equipped with vinyl cutters (plotters), sublimation machines for textiles or mugs, sandblasters for metalwork without manual sanding effort, and equipment for precise wood cutting.
- A construction area where robust assembly takes place using drills and sanders.
- A laser cutting section with seven machines capable of high-precision cuts in materials like wood.
Spaces like D-Hive offer opportunities not only to build but also develop knowledge relevant to various academic programs at UVG.
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