Smart and circularity decisions in a built-up environment
Smart and circularity decisions in a built-up environment

Summary/Abstract: The construction sector is increasingly recognized as one of the most resource-intensive industries, responsible for significant environmental pressures while at the same time serving as a key driver of economic development. In the context of rapid urbanization, where cities concentrate over half of the world’s population and consume the majority of global resources, construction and demolition waste (C&DW) emerges as both a challenge and an opportunity. This paper advances an integrated vision for the transition from linear to circular models in urban construction. It focuses on three mutually reinforcing strategies: localized recycling of construction materials, the application of additive manufacturing particularly large scale 3D printing and the deployment of digital twins coupled with artificial intelligence for life-cycle resource management. By examining systemic barriers, technological innovations, and practical applications, the study outlines a pathway toward an intelligent, circular, and resource efficient built environment. The findings emphasize not only the environmental, but also the economic and social benefits of adopting such a paradigm, thereby positioning circular construction as a strategic necessity for sustainable urban development.

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