Sculpting With Mycelium

Designed objects are increasingly being made with materials from nature, specifically nature’s ultimate decomposer, fungi. Fungi is one of the most exciting sources ripe with design potential, and creative applications for fungi-based materials range from biodegradable styrofoams to leather-like textile alternatives.

In this workshop, we’ll explore mycelium (AKA the vegetative fibers of a mushroom) as a material for experimental design applications. You’ll grow a variety of samples, starting from a mycelium substrate, to mycelium grown using experimental techniques, to sculpting mycelium composite materials grown to shape. We’ll also dive into some of the science behind how fungi is evolving alongside us to break down our waste, and discuss the potential of using sustainable mycelium to replace current packaging and building materials.

Brian Houstle is an Architect and builder by training. Currently, he supports New York State's Affordable Housing decarbonization efforts as a Sustainability Specialist, providing expertise in building systems design and materials. His work spans scales ranging from residential construction to furniture to novel material composites. Drawn to Genspace by the opportunity to expand his work with fungi, he focuses on developing new materials for the construction industry and supporting biomaterials education. As the Biomaterials Studio Co-Lead, Brian supports artists and designers with their material explorations.

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