suggested long ago,
that the entrance
and exits of underground
be covered by
these pillars...
kind of a flat version of
the biosphere...
but not quite aiming
for eco-diversity of the
biosphere,
but for food/oxygen,
and shielding from radiation....
all using natural resource
from Mars instead taking it
there.
then, as a second phase,
once resource/mining is located,
then slowly move out of that
underground habitat,
and live in the open,
shielded from radiation by
the buildings made almost
purely of metal.
and many structures....
CNC and welding is the way....
Fastest way to mine,
all in automation.
refined of steps of processing,
is the way...........
IMO.