Stainless steel is selected for architectural applications, as with most other applications, for their corrosion resistance. This is usually the prime consideration.
Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity need to be taken into account, but the location of the proposed site is the initial consideration. The Nickel Institute's 'Stainless Steel in Architecture, Building and Construction Guidelines for Corrosion Prevention' publication categorizes sites as either: Rural,Urban,Industrial,Marine