This paper presents a comparative study of two evaporative cooling systems, an open-air configuration and an enclosed wall-integrated configuration, constructed from 3D printed porous ceramic modules. The objective is to evaluate how geometry, airflow, and enclosure conditions interact to produce microclimatic cooling effects in hot arid and semi-arid climates, where low humidity and high summer temperatures make evaporative strategies particularly effective. While historic precedents such as mashrabiya screens, jali perforations, and wind catchers demonstrate the long-standing value of evaporative cooling in dry regions, contemporary adoption is limited by material constraints and construction infeasibility.

Two ceramic block designs were developed iteratively and tested. One relies on exposed surface channels that promote rapid evaporative cooling under airflow. The other contains internal, semi-closed geometries that store water within ceramic mass compartments and release it slowly. Both geometries were tested under open and closed conditions using identical material mixes, irrigation strategies, and environmental sensing. Results show that enclosure significantly enhances evaporative persistence. Closed configurations maintained temperature differentials of 8 to 15 °F and humidity increases of 10 to 20 percent, while open configurations produced faster but shorter-lived cooling of 3 to 5 °F with rapid humidity spikes after irrigation. Design 1 performed best when exposed to airflow, while Design 2 achieved its strongest results when shielded from wind.

Together, the findings demonstrate that digitally fabricated ceramics can function as modular, climate-responsive cooling systems that adapt to airflow and enclosure. By linking material design, geometry, and environmental performance, this work positions ceramic 3D printing as a practical strategy for increasing thermal comfort in regions where mechanical HVAC is inaccessible or energy intensive.

Material efficiency in building construction must increase to avoid the depletion of natural resources. This paper reports on the development of a novel paperless design-to-construction workflow that facilitates the use of reclaimed fired bricks by generating brick patterns that can adapt to existing material stocks. Fired bricks are widely available and, due to their durability, are often ready for repurposing after their first service life. While in computational masonry research, material efficiency is often the sole objective, we present a framework rooted in a holistic approach: In traditional brick construction (i.e., using mortar), the builder’s tactile experience is still indispensable. The bonding pattern of structural masonry heavily influences its structural performance. Therefore, our framework focuses on the balance between material efficiency, structural soundness, and constructability from a human’s standpoint. Our ultimately geometrical approach constrains the solution space by enforcing a minimal ¼ brick overlap between layers and considers the trade-off between the simplicity of a pattern and its ability to adapt to different material stocks. In this paper, we present the results of a systematic parameter analysis in a contrast experiment. The first scenario assumes fully automated construction (and prioritizes material efficiency) while the second assumes human-machine collaboration (AR-assisted construction) and aims at a reasonable trade-off between efficiency and complexity. Our results suggest that simple, easy-to-follow patterns can be achieved with little compromise in material efficiency. We demonstrate this on the masonry dome, where the curved shape adds a level of complexity to the patterning challenge. By keeping the patterns simpler, we transfer much of the agency back to the builder. Therefore, the presented approach informs contemporary, human-machine collaborative construction where the emphasis is on amplifying rather than controlling the mason’s craft.

Seokguram Grotto, built in the 8th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in South Korea. This Buddhist grotto is well known for its monumental Buddha statue sitting in a circular chamber with a hemispherical dome. Along with its cultural significance, the environmental strategies employed at Seokguram Grotto have successfully preserved the statue and chamber despite the region's hot and humid climate. However, the grotto has undergone several renovations that have altered its original structure, resulting in a current environment that differs significantly from the original form. Given the absence of mechanical systems at that time, examining the environmental strategies of this grotto could provide valuable insights into passive building design in similarly challenging climates. This study investigates the lighting and ventilation strategies of Seokguram Grotto, focusing on how its design adapted to the local climate without relying on mechanical systems. While numerous studies have examined the grotto's original configuration, quantitative analyses of its original environment remain limited. In response, this study provides a quantitative analysis that can serve as a reference for restoring the original environment of the grotto, helping to preserve its cultural heritage and advance passive design research. To achieve this, precedent studies on the spatial composition and environmental characteristics of the original grotto were reviewed, and a 3D model was developed based on these findings. The model was subsequently simplified for simulations. The lighting environment was assessed using four daylight metrics: Illuminance, Daylight Factor, Spatial Daylight Autonomy, and Useful Daylight Illuminance. Indoor airflow was simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to identify the distribution of air velocity throughout space. Based on the findings, this study assesses the environmental quality of the original Seokguram Grotto and considers its application in a global context.