The invention of two young students that could change construction and end extreme heat in cities

In recent years, Spain has experienced many hot summers . High temperatures are even occurring at periods when they shouldn't be so common , such as the beginning of autumn. This increase in heat creates a thermal sensation during key months that impacts not only people's health but also urban planning and settlements. Buildings expel more heat , as does the urban furniture present in streets, squares, or parks , especially those without shade.

This means that the only shelter is indoors and air-conditioned, which increases the financial costs for both individuals and businesses. However, urban planning could change, and so could construction, thanks to inventions like the one created by two young students from the Zurich School of the Arts (Switzerland). Andrin Stocker and Luc Schweizer have invented a "smart brick" capable of lowering its temperature by up to 9 degrees without the need for technology or electricity.

A modular terracotta brick to cool overheated urban spaces

This brick, called Blocº, cools overheated urban spaces through evaporative cooling using 3D-manufactured, solar-powered terracotta. Thus, it achieves lowering the temperature by up to 9 degrees in extreme heat situations, which has led it to be a finalist in the international James Dyson Design Awards.

These two Swiss scientists studied passive cooling methods such as badgirs, terracotta jars, and termite mounds—structures that regulate temperature and airflow without complex technology—to develop this brick that requires only water, air, and sunlight.

"The porous ceramic bricks absorb water, which evaporates as warm air is forced through the system by solar fans. On days with temperatures above 30°C, bloc° consumes approximately 56 liters of water, which can be supplied through municipal infrastructure or through integrated rainwater harvesting , about 24 liters per day. On the other hand, a solar panel generates around 200 watt-hours per day, enough to power the fan and water pump for autonomous operation," explain its creators.

This makes Blocº a "scalable, mobile, and energy-efficient" solution for use at public transport stops, plazas, or school playgrounds, with the possibility of its future implementation in large-scale facade and warehouse buildings .

How it differs from other cooling systems

These two students haven't discovered something new, but rather improved it. Blocº works in the same way as traditional passive cooling ; however, the innovation lies in its water storage capacity within each brick . By generating airflow through solar-powered fans and water pumps, evaporation is much improved, even in areas of Central Europe where humidity levels are higher. This combination of passive and active cooling with a sustainable power supply is what sets this brick apart from any other cooling solution available in urban environments.