Anyone know of any games out there were you have to build around the environment? Like if prisoner architect required you to build off the ruins of an old prison, or if Oxygen Not Included wasn't balanced around the ability to make a big square filled with square rooms. I want functional art.
Most of the games that have the POTENTIAL for that kind of thing usually dont capitalize on it sadly.
The following may satisfy your itch though:
Minecraft - no requirements or incentive to build off of old things or around the environment, but maybe with mods?
Factorio - some incentives to build strategically, depending on gamemode.
Satisfactory - 3D factorio kinda, but less in the way of context or incentives to get creative with your building--still you can build an interesting factory by making rules about how you approach the environment.
Surviving Mars - limited space? city builder.
Cities: Skylines - same as Survivng Mars, but more nuanced and plenty of incentives to be strategic in your thinking--still, it's mostly aesthetic as long as you manage growth.
Mini Motorways - a lot of strategic thinking required, but not necessarily the most detailed or satisfying game.
Mini Metro - same as above... but different.
Castle Story - This one is cool, but is one of those so close to great its frustrating kinda games. Basically you have to build a castle, brick by brick, to stave off hordes of attackers. It encourages both strategic thinking and is very detailed (relatively).
From The Depths - environmental challenges. Vehicle builder.
Kerbal Space Program - environmental challenges. Realistic spaceship sim.
Songs of Syx - limited space. 2D city builder--not well versed enough to give a more specific description.
Stronghold 1/Crusaders/2 - castle man good!