ECOSYSTEM COMPATIBILITY OF 3D PRINTING IN ARCHITECTURE An alternative to traditional construction technologies

The growing environmental footprint of the construction industry, one of the main consumers of natural resources with “approximately 3 billion tonnes per year, corresponding to 50% of extracted raw materials, responsible for 40% of global CO2 emissions, of which almost 10% is attributable to concrete alone, and over 35% of total waste production in the EU” (1) requires radical solutions for lasting sustainability and peaceful coexistence between construction technologies and ecosystems. In this context, 3D printing for architecture offers an innovative alternative to traditional technologies, thanks to its ability to reduce waste, optimise material and energy consumption, and allow the use of eco-friendly and bioregional compounds with a high natural content. This article critically examines the state of the art of these additive technologies, the main printing methods, so-called “green” materials, such as geopolymers, low-emission cements, raw earth, plant fibres and their potential for integration with the surrounding ecosystem. Real projects and recent experiments are analysed, such as rammed earth buildings, biodegradable pavilions, and “bio-receptive” structures for biodiversity, which highlight how additive manufacturing can promote landscape ecology. Finally, the advantages, critical issues and future prospects are discussed, emphasising the importance of a circular design vision oriented towards respect for the natural environment. The document aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the ecosystem compatibility of 3D printing for architecture.