Weathering as an Ecological Design Factor

Weathering is traditionally seen as a process of decay, yet it holds the potential to activate ecological functions and enhance architectural expression (Mostafavi & Leatherbarrow, 1993). This project repositions weathering as a productive ecological force that can transform buildings with aesthetic depth, material richness, and the capacity to host life. As structures age, weathering processes (chemical, physical, and biological) gradually unlock nutrients from mineral substrates and generate micro-environments capable of supporting plant and microbial colonization. This research asks how architectural design can intentionally harness weathering as a driver for ecological succession and biodiversity in urban contexts. Central to this inquiry are three agents: phosphorus dynamics in lithic substrates, biologically enhanced rock weathering, and the use of ornamentation to generate conditions for bioreceptivity. The objective is to reconceptualize buildings as active geological-ecological systems that evolve through time and contribute to the metabolic and ecological health of cities. Through a multi-pronged approach involving lab experiments, fabrication, computation, and environmental simulation, the study explores how buildings can be designed to kickstart self-sustaining ecological processes by integrating systems as active agents that interact with natural cycles through the investigations of synthetic lichen, spontaneous vegetation, biomaterial, and capillary rise. This research proposes a new paradigm for biologically integrated architecture by rethinking urban surfaces and leveraging innovative substrates and microbial interactions, strategizing systematic design through nutrient flows. By embedding life into our constructed landscapes, architecture can foster deeper connections between built structures and their ecosystems, redefining aesthetics and functionality through ecological resilience.