3D Print Raw Earth Architecture

Project Title: Enhancing vocational training to increase the professional skills of initial and continuing professionals in the construction sector on 3D Printing Raw Earth Technology
Project Acronym: 3D Print Raw Earth Architecture
Scope: Vocational Education and Training
Horizontal Priority: Environment and fight against climate change
Sectoral Priority: Increasing the flexibility of opportunities in vocational education and training
Project Duration: 12 Months

Background:

The negative environmental impact of construction activities is significant, and there is a growing need for sustainable materials and new construction techniques to reduce this impact. According to GlobalABC's 2020 report, the construction sector accounts for approximately 38% of global carbon emissions. These emissions occur during the construction of buildings, the production of the materials used, and the operation of buildings. Cement production in particular accounts for a significant portion of these carbon emissions, and according to a 2020 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), cement production accounts for approximately 8% of total global carbon emissions. In addition, the production of building materials and the use of the buildings that are constructed also result in high energy consumption. Much of this energy is derived from fossil fuels, further increasing the carbon footprint.

Another significant environmental impact of the construction industry is the generation of waste. According to the European Commission's Waste Statistics for 2021, approximately 35% of the waste generated worldwide comes from construction and demolition activities, and most of this waste is not recycled but sent to landfills. The same report states that the construction sector in Europe generates approximately 374 million tons of waste per year. This data highlights the importance of using sustainable materials and innovative construction techniques to reduce the negative impact of the construction industry on the environment.

According to a report published by the United Nations in 2017, the global population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 11.2 billion by 2100, and nearly 5 billion people will live in cities by 2030. With this rapid population growth, the need for housing is expected to increase significantly and construction activity is expected to accelerate. This situation increases the importance of using sustainable construction techniques and materials in the construction sector and highlights the importance of carefully assessing the environmental impact of construction activities. It also highlights the need to develop new construction techniques and materials that avoid wasting resources and minimize environmental damage.
New technologies offer many opportunities for architects, urban planners, engineers and material designers. 3D printing technology, as a construction technique that has developed in recent years, also promises to increase sustainable building activities. The latest in 3D printing technology is TECLA, a 650-square-foot residential prototype designed by Italian architect Mario Cucinella Architects and built by the Italian 3D printing company WASP (World Advanced Saving Project) outside of Ravenna, Italy, using earth from the ground. (The name TECLA comes from the combination of "technology" and "clay.") The prototype was completed in April 2021 to great fanfare. The project represents an unprecedented perspective for buildings and new settlements, where the value of local raw materials is enhanced through digital design. "You have the earth, it is transformed, you can live in it, and when you no longer need it, it returns to the earth in a continuous cycle," says MCA architect Irene Giglio of TECLA and other earthen structures.

The completion of the TECLA project is an important milestone that demonstrates that the designs and technologies used are not just a theoretical idea, but a real and achievable response to the living needs of today and tomorrow. 3D Print Raw Earth technology optimizes the construction process, minimizes the use of human and energy resources, and demonstrates in a concrete way that it can create sustainable buildings. This technology enables a zero-waste housing model built with fully reusable and recyclable materials from the local terrain. Combining the oldest materials with the latest technologies, 3D Print Raw Earth Technology offers effective solutions using environmentally friendly, biodegradable and recyclable materials. It offers an innovative alternative to traditional housing models by building structures that are resistant to different climatic conditions, energy efficient and highly flexible.

3D Print Raw Earth is a new and innovative technology for all professions in the construction industry. This technology creates many new fields such as architecture, urban planning, engineering (civil, mechatronics, electrical), material design, the use of new design programs, new materials and new construction calculations. These areas create a great need for training of professionals working in the construction industry and related fields. The rapid development of new sustainable building techniques and materials will only be possible if professionals already working in the sector, as well as new entrants, acquire competencies in these building techniques and materials so that they can use them effectively.

The overall objectives of the project are:

The main objective of this vocational training programme is to provide high quality and flexible learning opportunities for initial and continuing professionals in architecture, urban design, materials design and engineering and related fields to specialize in 3D Print Raw Earth technology. It also aims to support them in building networks to effectively apply these sustainable construction techniques.

3D Print Raw Earth project will develop the following outputs to achieve its goals.

IO-1: E-Learning and Networking Platform: This platform is a comprehensive training program consisting of modules designed to provide professional competencies in 3D Print Raw Earth technology. Starting with the basic concepts of sustainable materials and construction techniques, the platform includes the use of 3D printing technology, materials knowledge, engineering skills and hands-on training. In addition, modules will cover safety precautions, project management, and the latest developments in technology. Students will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and share their knowledge and experience during the online learning experience.

IO-2: Best Practices Guide: The Best Practices Guide aims to bring together successful examples of the use of 3D Print Raw Earth technology from around the world to promote these innovative construction methods and share experiences in the sector. By examining projects implemented in different geographical and climatic conditions, this guide will provide participants with concrete and feasible solutions.

The 3D Print Raw Earth project will address the growth of sustainable building activities in 7 modules.

- Module 1: Introduction and Basic Concepts: This module introduces the fundamentals, benefits, and application areas of 3D Print Raw Earth technology, explaining its connection to sustainable building techniques and its contribution to the environment.
- Module 2: Design and Architectural Applications: Focuses on architectural design parameters and limitations suitable for 3D printing, as well as the use of 3D modeling and design software such as CAD and BIM.
- Module 3: Materials Knowledge: This module covers the properties, recyclability, and environmental impact of raw materials, and explains material mixing and preparation techniques.

- Module 4: 3D Printing Technology and Equipment: Covers the working principles of 3D printing machines, operating procedures, and machine calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting techniques.
- Module 5: Engineering Skills: Integration of static and dynamic analysis of 3D printed structures into civil engineering, and integration of electronic and mechatronic systems into printing processes.
- Module 6: Hands-on Training: This module teaches the management of the 3D printing process from start to finish and the finalization of post-print structures, surface treatment, and reinforcement techniques.
- Module 7: Occupational Health and Safety: This module focuses on occupational health and safety measures and the safe use of equipment in 3D printing processes.
- Module 8: Project Management and Implementation: Discusses the future and potential uses of 3D printing in the construction industry, focusing on project planning, time and resource management.

The specific objectives of the project are:
In line with the goal of "Sustainable Cities and Settlements", one of the 17 goals of the United Nations, the project aims to protect the environment, reduce energy consumption, prevent waste of resources, reduce air pollution and increase sustainable construction activities. Sustainable cities and communities are only possible through sustainable construction.
In particular, our project aims to
- The project contributes to the construction of sustainable cities by promoting environmentally friendly construction techniques, which is an important support to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- The project's aim to avoid wasting resources by using local and recyclable materials is in line with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
- The goal of reducing carbon emissions through low-carbon construction techniques ensures that the project is directly linked to SDG 13: Climate Action.
- The project aims to support access to clean energy by increasing energy efficiency, contributing to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
- In line with the European Green Deal's goal of carbon neutrality, the project adopts low-carbon construction processes.
- The project develops professional skills through the e-learning and networking training platform and contributes to digitalization in the framework of the EU Digital Education Action Plan.
- Energy efficiency and sustainable building techniques contribute to Europe's 2030 climate and energy goals.
- The project contributes to the realization of the basic principles of the New European Bauhaus by aiming at sustainable, aesthetic and inclusive architectural solutions.
- By promoting the use of natural materials, the project supports the vision of the New European Bauhaus, which aims to create a balance between man and nature.
- By improving the energy performance of the constructed buildings, the project contributes to the EU Green Deal's goal of improving the energy performance of buildings.
- Through low carbon construction processes, the project supports the EU Green Deal's carbon reduction strategies.
- By reducing waste, the project will contribute to the circular economy and waste management objectives of the EU Green Deal.
- The results of the project will be used as training material for construction-related departments of universities, vocational training institutions, environmental associations and local/central governments.
- It will provide networking opportunities for professionals working in different areas of the construction sector and for newcomers to the profession, enabling the exchange of experiences.

The target groups of our 3D Print Raw Earth project will be treated in 2 groups as direct and indirect.

Direct target groups:

The direct target groups of the project are professionals who want to master sustainable construction techniques using 3D Print Raw Earth technology. These groups include architects, urban planners, civil engineers, mechatronics and electrical engineers, material designers, and early career professionals.

- Architects and urban designers: Professionals who want to learn and apply the sustainable building techniques of 3D Print Raw Earth technology.

- Engineers (Civil, Mechatronics, Electrical, IT, Other): Engineers who want to gain new skills in 3D printing raw earth technology and sustainable materials.

- Materials designers: Professionals interested in the design and use of natural materials.

- Early Career Professionals (Young Professionals): Young professionals who are just starting their careers in fields such as architecture, engineering, materials science, and who want to adapt to new technologies.

Indirect target groups:

The indirect target groups of this project include building material producers who will have to adapt their production processes to the increasing demand for sustainable materials, public institutions and local governments that can integrate new techniques into urban planning, entrepreneurs and investors who want to invest in sustainable building technologies. In addition, end-users (homeowners, tenants), architecture and engineering students, academics and researchers, vocational training institutions and construction industry managers are among the groups that will indirectly benefit from the project.
Improving the quality of life and using resources more efficiently through sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings throughout society will ensure that the project will generate a wide range of social benefits in the long term.

Partners:

- Applicant: Commune Studio - Poland
- Vidipost: Estonia (Confirmed)
- University ???

Meeting Schedule:
- Poland: 1st month after the start of the project
- Online Meeting: 5th month after the start of the project
- University Country: 10th month after the start of the project

Budget : 60K Euro

- Commune Studio: 23.000 Euro
- University Budget: 20.000 Euro
- Vidipost: 17.000 Euro