Given the need of the arcology megastructure to continuously dissipate heat, this was in some cases redirected into steam vent enclosures that created a highly uncomfortable sauna-like effect. The idea arose to place misbehaving indentured whites and other malcontents inside for a more public sentence. The onboard AI could monitor the biometrics of the victim within and adjust the situation accordingly to create maximum discomfort with no loss of consciousness or (major) permanent damage. While highly unpleasant to experience, it does not appear overtly torturous to the observer, and culturally is associated with spiritual cleansing, therefore it was more a more digestible punishment for public opinion, especially women and the tender-hearted. Buddhists and Confucianists alike could nod along that this was both socially and cosmically moral enforcement of norms, and the Taoists never had a problem to begin with.

As shown to the right, it became a striking mental image in popular culture closely associated with chastening white pride. The drawing to the right came in the days following Europe's capitulation and represented many prevailing sentiments of retribution in mainland Asia.

Likewise, the reality was equally stirring to look at, particularly when the weather conditions were just moist enough to create a misted glow that picked up the red heat from the rods. Together with the rainslick outer surface and the image of slow suffering within, the sweatbox became an irresistible subject for photographers. They especially liked that their model could not clock off the job, was always present during lighting setup, and could be pressured to indulge the photographer's whims in exchange for a slight reduction of her sentence. After the sweatbox began appearing in so many postcards and magazine covers, its use became more widespread, and ultimately an unmistakable staple and expectation of the arcology aesthetic.

"Sometimes these white girls get very hyperactive. Eight hours in the sweatbox has a way of chilling them out. It's also good for tourism, so we make up infractions to keep the boxes full day and night." - Kwon, 39, Laos

"It's undeniably erotic. I know the state pretends it isn't, but it is, and it should be. The perfect end to my day is when I can see her labia, silhouetted by the light and the steam, from the end of the street as I walk home." - Yang, 62, Singapore  

"If the project is to domesticate the white race, then the sweatbox is so desirable on its face that it becomes inexpressible. An uppity white country girl goes into the box, the AI does its thing, and an incredible transformation happens. Come back a few days later and you find a delightful, agreeable white girl who's ready to do any dirty, unthinkable, awesome thing you tell her to, all in return for a five-minute reprieve. When you boil it down, it's a box that prints out eager sluts, so if the city admin is listening, build a few more already." - Wei, 33, Xinjiang

"In my arcology, the requirement is to stand as still as possible, or their sentence is extended, so they become like living statues, posed under the red heat rods. There is a very modern beauty to it. In that way, they are giving back to the public space, to make up for misdeeds. The park near my apartment has them done as an art installation, by a pro designer. I do all my reading and tai chi there." - Yin, 29, Seoul

"Please don't put me back in there, sifu. I'll do that thing you like, you know the one..." - Tiffany, 21, Hong Kong