Last week, our team — Michelle Lee and Ryan Maruyama — presented the research project “Geometry of Water: Shaping Terra Cotta for Urban Heat Islands” at the Advances in Architectural Geometry 2025 symposium at MIT. They were joined in the presentation by Pamela Cabrera Pardo (Transsolar Klima Engineering), highlighting the collaborative nature of this ongoing research effort.
The project brings together Behnisch Architekten, Transsolar KlimaEngineering, knippershelbig, TriPyramid Structures and Boston Valley Terra Cotta to investigate how terra cotta façade geometries can support cooling in dense urban environments experiencing increasing heat stress.

A New Approach to Urban Microclimates
Rather than relying on shading alone, the research centers on evaporative cooling. By shaping terra cotta like a sponge—through pleating, dimpling, folding, and other geometric strategies—the tiles can absorb and temporarily store rainwater. As this water evaporates, the façade cools itself and the surrounding microclimate.
The geometry is tuned not only for maximum evaporation but also for freeze–thaw durability, making the system suitable for four-season climates like New England. The design merges the logic of a ventilated rainscreen façade with ceramic innovation, environmental performance, and fabrication practicality.

From Material Research to Urban Impact
Using digital simulation, physical prototyping, and full-scale testing, the project shows that shaped terra cotta can significantly reduce surface temperatures on hot days and improve thermal comfort in streets, courtyards, and other public spaces.

As cities around the world continue to densify and warm, the project proposes a façade system that is market-ready, materially efficient, and aligned with future climate demands. We look forward to the continuing conversations from AAG2025 and to advancing this research together with our partners.
A complete technical overview, including methodology, performance testing and environmental modeling, is available in the attached PDF proceedings.