ConcreteFlux explores concrete not as a static, immutable substance, but as a dynamic material system shaped by processes of decay, transformation, and regeneration. Positioned at the intersection of material experimentation and architectural theory, the project reinterprets aging and reuse as constructive forces. Drawing on the concept of "age value" (Riegl, 1903) and the historical practice of spolia (Kalakoski & Huuhka, 2017), ConcreteFlux reframes decay not as loss, but as a means of enriching material identity and fostering temporal continuity within the built environment.
Against the backdrop of concrete’s environmental challenges and its association with permanence, the project takes inspiration from ancient Roman concrete’s regenerative properties, particularly its capacity for self-healing. A practice-led methodology supported iterative material testing, beginning with large-scale prototypes and shifting to micro-scale experimentation. This pivot allowed for a more precise analysis of chemical and physical behavior under controlled decay conditions.
Through petri-dish experiments, various lime-based formulations were tested to observe crystallization, mineral growth, and capillary action. Results showed that slow, sustained interactions between binding agents and liquids could yield cohesive structures over time. Compositions with stable diffusion rates and gradual reactions demonstrated improved mineral penetration and bonding, while rapid reactions proved disruptive. These findings suggest that decay, when carefully managed, can support regenerative material systems.
Although structural outcomes remain speculative, the research offers a new lens through which to view concrete - not as the end state of material performance, but as part of a living cycle. By understanding how micro-scale processes of transformation can inform larger systems, ConcreteFlux proposes a shift in how we engage with materiality, aging, and sustainability in architecture. Future work will aim to scale up these insights into tangible architectural applications that integrate decay, reuse, and self-healing into the very logic of construction.

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