Synthetic–Natural Interfaces: Architectural Frameworks for Nature-Based Landscape Rehabilitation

Introduction: Accelerated land degradation—from industrial contamination to urban encroachment—poses critical challenges for ecosystem health and community well-being. This paper proposes Synthetic–Natural Interfaces, an architectural framework that fuses engineered structures with living systems to catalyze landscape rehabilitation. By designing transitional zones where built elements and ecological processes co-evolve, this approach leverages nature-based solutions to address soil erosion, water quality, and biodiversity loss while fostering meaningful human engagement.

Methods: A two-pronged methodology underpins this research:

1. Parametric Form-Finding: Algorithmic modeling generates a spectrum of interface geometries—ranging from porous berms to undulating boardwalks—that are optimized for hydrological flow, light penetration, and habitat connectivity.
2. Ecological Simulation: Coupled hydrodynamic and vegetation succession models assess performance criteria (e.g., sediment retention, moisture retention, native species establishment) across climatic scenarios.

Three pilot interventions—in a decommissioned quarry in Southern Europe, a peri-urban wetland in East Asia, and an abandoned rail corridor in North America—serve as testbeds. Performance indicators are measured over simulated five-year cycles to evaluate ecological uplift and social activation.

Results: The designs demonstrate substantial gains in ecosystem function and community benefit. Simulations project a 45–60 % reduction in peak stormwater discharge, a 30–50 % increase in native plant coverage, and a two-fold rise in faunal corridors compared with the untreated baselines. Qualitative feedback highlights enhanced public stewardship and place attachment, with users expressing increased willingness to participate in long-term stewardship. The modular nature of the synthetic elements enables phased installation, minimizing any initial disruption and allowing for adaptive refinement.

Conclusions: Synthetic–Natural Interfaces represent a scalable, context-responsive architectural paradigm for landscape rehabilitation. By weaving engineered forms and living systems into a unified design logic, these frameworks restore ecological integrity and cultivate socio-environmental resilience. Future work will investigate lifecycle material impacts and refine participatory governance models to ensure equitable, enduring stewardship.