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The Architecture of Succession: Designing Bio-Receptive Frameworks for Managed Decay and Habitat Growth
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Regenerative Architecture
DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I10-1716246
Abstract
The contemporary construction industry remains structurally dependent on a permanence paradigm that externalizes demolition waste and terminates ecological continuity at end-of-life. This research proposes an integrative architectural framework that repositions structural decay as a programmed ecological function rather than a material failure. Drawing from recent peer-reviewed advances in bioreceptive concrete technologies, mass timber circularity, and Design for Disassembly, the study develops a Decomposition Protocol for guiding the transformation of architectural mass into high-value forest habitat over a 100-year temporal arc. Verified research on bioreceptive façade systems demonstrates that pH modulation and porosity engineering significantly increase cryptogamic colonization on cementitious substrates. Parallel investigations into timber end-of-life scenarios confirm that structured disassembly pathways reduce embodied carbon loss and extend material utility within circular construction systems. Synthesizing these findings, this study proposes the architectural structure as engineered necromass, capable of supporting successional biodiversity while maintaining structural integrity during transitional decay phases. The research establishes technical detailing strategies for reversible joints, layered envelope systems, and phased decommissioning, situating architectural practice within regenerative urban ecology. The outcome reframes architectural value as multispecies utility and soil generation rather than static durability.
Keywords
Bioreceptivity, Programmed Decay, Habitat Synthesis, Regenerative Architecture, Engineered Necromass
References
[1] Ali-Gombe, M., Bala, K., & Yusuf, A. (2025). Modular building frameworks for staged disassembly: Lifecycle emissions reduction in contemporary construction. Journal of Architectural Engineering, 31(2), 04025008.
[2] Cabrero, J. M., Kleppe, G., & Lattke, F. (2025). Design for Disassembly in tall timber buildings: Reversible connection strategies and structural implications. Engineering Structures, 302, 118425.
[3] Jakubovskis, R. (2025). Bioreceptive concrete facades: Surface engineering for cryptogamic colonization in urban environments. Buildings, 15(3), 112-128.
[4] Journal of Building Engineering. (2021). Formulation strategies for bioreceptive concrete: Surface porosity engineering for enhanced colonization. Journal of Building Engineering, 42, 102498.
[5] Journal of Building Engineering. (2023). Bioreceptive concrete: A comprehensive review of surface modification strategies for enhanced biological colonization. Journal of Building Engineering, 68, 106123.
[6] Lin, J., Chen, Y., & Wang, H. (2025). Comparative life cycle assessment of mass timber end-of-life scenarios: Reuse, recycling, and energy recovery. Applied Sciences, 15(2), 45-62.
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[9] Zhang, X., Wang, Y., & Liu, H. (2024). Microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation in self-healing concrete systems: A review of mechanisms and ecological implications. Science of the Total Environment, 912, 168934.
How to cite this paper
@article{1716246,
author = {Babamboni Adekunle S, Olanrewaju Dominion, Owoka Olamilekan, Famadewa Oluwademilade, Tashok Yusuf H.},
title = {The Architecture of Succession: Designing Bio-Receptive Frameworks for Managed Decay and Habitat Growth},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {1409-1419},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1716246.pdf},
abstract = {The contemporary construction industry remains structurally dependent on a permanence paradigm that externalizes demolition waste and terminates ecological continuity at end-of-life. This research proposes an integrative architectural framework that repositions structural decay as a programmed ecological function rather than a material failure. Drawing from recent peer-reviewed advances in bioreceptive concrete technologies, mass timber circularity, and Design for Disassembly, the study develops a Decomposition Protocol for guiding the transformation of architectural mass into high-value forest habitat over a 100-year temporal arc. Verified research on bioreceptive façade systems demonstrates that pH modulation and porosity engineering significantly increase cryptogamic colonization on cementitious substrates. Parallel investigations into timber end-of-life scenarios confirm that structured disassembly pathways reduce embodied carbon loss and extend material utility within circular construction systems. Synthesizing these findings, this study proposes the architectural structure as engineered necromass, capable of supporting successional biodiversity while maintaining structural integrity during transitional decay phases. The research establishes technical detailing strategies for reversible joints, layered envelope systems, and phased decommissioning, situating architectural practice within regenerative urban ecology. The outcome reframes architectural value as multispecies utility and soil generation rather than static durability.},
keywords = {Bioreceptivity, Programmed Decay, Habitat Synthesis, Regenerative Architecture, Engineered Necromass},
month = {April},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716246}
}