As part of her Master’s degree in Computational Architecture at The Royal Danish Academy, designer Carolyn-Nelle Preston Ichniowski developed an innovative passive cooling system, combining traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology. Her design features 3D-printed ceramic bricks integrated with hydrogel, offering a modern response to the growing challenge of rising global temperatures.

With climate change intensifying and global reliance on energy-intensive air-conditioning systems increasing, Ichniowski sought to explore alternative, low-energy cooling solutions. Drawing inspiration from ancient passive cooling methods, such as porous ceramics used in arid climates, she set out to reinterpret these time-tested techniques with the help of digital fabrication and advanced materials.

Central to her project is hydrogel, a highly absorbent material capable of storing significant amounts of water, which can be rehydrated, even from ambient humidity. Ichniowski integrated hydrogel into 3D printed ceramic modules, experimenting with various methods to optimise its functionality. The result is a material that facilitates evaporative cooling in an efficient, sustainable way.

The culmination of her research presents several design scenarios exploring the use of hydro-ceramics in architecture, providing a potential solution to mitigate the impact of climate change by harnessing the power of passive cooling on a larger scale.

Photos: Carolyn-Nelle Preston Ichniowski / The Royal Danish Academy