006 Architecture Is Rock: Study on Ecological Design Strategy of Marine Adaptable Building Skin

Abstract

With the accelerated development of marine resources, the ecological negative effects of traditional marine architecture have become increasingly prominent; inspired by Nature-based Solutions (NbS), this study proposes the innovative concept of "Architecture as Reef", aiming to transform the epidermis of marine adaptive buildings from passive protective interfaces into active habitats that proactively support ecological restoration. First, it analyzes the challenges of marine environment (i.e., erosion and biological attachment) to building skins and converts such challenges into opportunities for ecological design. By integrating materials science, marine ecology and architecture, the study systematically puts forward three principles for ecological building skin design: ecological friendliness of surface materials, habitat diversity of morphological structures, and biological induction of surface chemistry. Based on these principles, three core design strategies are discussed: 1. Habitat module design relying on micro-surface texture and cavity structure; 2. Application of gradient functional materials suitable for vertical and underwater skins; 3. Chemical induction technology to promote the attachment of specific organisms. Through literature review and case comparison, the study demonstrates the multiple benefits of these strategies in enhancing biodiversity, improving structural durability and realizing carbon sequestration, which provides theoretical basis and paradigm transformation for the shift of future marine architectural design from "engineering-oriented" to "ecology-oriented", ultimately achieving positive symbiosis between marine architecture and ecosystems.