Digital and material intelligence for an adaptive city

The increasing centralization and digitalization of urban systems lead to a detachment from local ecological processes and inhabitants. While smart city approaches focus on processing large data sets, they often overlook the ecological interactions of building materials. This results in homogeneous urban development with limited adaptability to climatic and social changes. To address these challenges, architecture must be viewed as a dynamic, symbiotic system that integrates digital and material intelligence. We are developing ceramic façade modules, a hybrid architectural system combining digital data capture with material intelligence. These façade elements are made from regional clay using robotic additive manufacturing, adhering to the principle of "Form Follows Availability"—meaning local materials influence module design. These ceramic structures are optimized for evaporative cooling, water retention, and greening. A significant component of this initiative is our "Clayculator" web application, which facilitates participatory design of urban façades. Residents can configure and order customized façade modules by inputting site-specific data, climatic factors, and functional requirements. Instead of replacing entire façades, the system allows targeted enhancements to existing buildings, creating hyperlocal benefits for the urban climate and neighborhood interaction. This project exemplifies an architecture that is locally grounded, adaptive, and symbiotic. By combining digital manufacturing with ecological principles and participatory design, it offers an alternative to centrally controlled urban development. The integration of algorithmic optimization with material intelligence introduces new possibilities for resilient urban design, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and community-focused urban environment.