This study provides an in-depth comparison of carbon emissions linked to the Life Cycle Assessment of eight different types of recipe bricks, which serve as sustainable alternatives to traditional fired clay bricks. By analyzing the entire life cycle—from the extraction of raw materials to the production phase (from cradle to gate)—the research evaluates the fossil carbon emissions and biogenic carbon content of each brick type, focusing on their impact on climate change. Additionally, the study considers critical factors such as the depletion of virgin resources and the amount of recycled content used in their production. The methodology adopted here introduces an investigative-comparative framework that helps assess choices in building materials. It resembles a cookbook with innovative recipes, outlining the step-by-step process of product stages, technology, and essential ingredients needed to decarbonize the brick industry. This thorough comparison will result in a material matrix that delivers valuable insights into the environmental impacts of these innovative brick materials, specifically regarding their total global warming potential and resource depletion intensity. A summary table will detail GWP for fossil fuels and biogenic sources, clarifying each brick type’s environmental profile.

The findings aim to enhance the understanding of architects and building professionals worldwide about resource depletion and the harmful emissions linked to traditional fired industrial bricks while spotlighting the available low-carbon and even negative-emission brick options. These include Fly Ash Bricks by CalStart, Upcycled Limestone Bricks by Polycor, Carbonated Bricks Pirouett by Vandersanden, Hydrogen-Fired Clay Brick HyBrick™ by Michelmersh, 100% WasteBasedBrick® by Stone Cycling, Gent Waste Bricks Lime-Cured by Carmody Groarke, Crops Waste Bricks Agrocrete® by Greenjams, and Fungal-Based Bricks. Furthermore, the article seeks to illustrate how construction and demolition waste, along with agricultural and industrial waste, can be repurposed by adopting a circular economy strategy, leading to new formulations for traditional bricks.

Large-scale 3D printing technology is rapidly advancing, enabling the production of full-scale building components rather than just models. This research investigates 3D-printed clay as a sustainable and innovative building material, addressing both aesthetic and functional challenges. By integrating advanced fabrication techniques and computational design, we demonstrate the feasibility of 3D-printed clay in creating durable, adaptable, and environmentally conscious building components. Our goal is to enhance performance and improve the aesthetic flexibility of architectural elements.

In academic settings, 3D printing acts as a powerful pedagogical tool, allowing students to directly engage with form and material. This hands-on approach deepens their understanding of the relationship between digital design and physical construction, bridging theory and tangible outcomes. By embedding additive manufacturing into the curriculum, educators foster an environment for students to push design boundaries while gaining practical experience with cutting-edge technologies. In professional practice, additive manufacturing provides architects and designers with greater control over material properties and building performance. The ability to rapidly prototype, test, and refine designs through 3D printing reduces material waste and production costs, enhancing precision, flexibility, and resource optimization.

This research focuses on optimizing the 3D PotterBot Super 10 clay extruder, addressing its limitations and improving performance for future applications. As large-scale 3D printing evolves, the capability to produce full-scale building components closes the gap between design and execution, enabling seamless translation from digital form to physical structure.

This research highlights the transformative potential of 3D printing in both academic and professional contexts. By integrating computational design, material science, and advanced fabrication techniques, additive manufacturing is set to drive future building design, fostering flexible, sustainable, and expressive built environments.

This paper presents the "Shift" project, a research initiative exploring the application of clay 3D printing (C3DP) in full-scale architectural design. The project involved the design and construction of a wall composed of 320 clay blocks, each featuring a shifted sinusoidal geometry generated using computational design tools. The design enhances aesthetic appeal and redirects winds for better environmental performance. “Shift” addresses the growing need for sustainable construction methods by utilizing clay, a low-carbon and recyclable material, and minimizing material waste through additive manufacturing.

Key aspects of the project include:

• Exploration of C3DP capabilities for creating complex architectural forms that are difficult to achieve with traditional methods.
• Assessment of environmental benefits, including the use of a renewable material, reduction in material waste, and potential for performance-based designs.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, computational designers, ceramicists, and masons to overcome technical challenges.
• Development of a technical framework for integrating C3DP into architectural design and construction processes.

The design process involved adapting a shifted sinusoidal tile concept to a masonry wall, optimizing block size, layer height, and material selection. The fabrication process utilized a fused deposition modeling technique with a 3D PotterBot 10 PRO printer and employed a circular method of recycling unfired clay to reduce manufacturing waste, further promoting sustainability.

The project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of C3DP for creating functional and visually striking architectural elements while effectively screening mechanical units. The wall's interaction with the local climate, including the capturing of prevailing winds, has not been measured, though this was a design intent. The "Shift" project contributes to the growing body of knowledge in sustainable construction by showcasing the potential of C3DP, and it sets a benchmark for future endeavors that blend aesthetic innovation with ecological responsibility.