MushRoom 1.0
Position: Designer
Building Type: Residential - Housing Complex
Total Building Square Footage: 3380 sq ft
Location: Pacific Northwest
This biology project explored how mushroom matter could get implemented in a partially subterranean, four-family housing complex. Molded mushroom mycelium forms the walls and ceiling and their fungal mycorrhizal network links the buildings, allowing for human connectivity with the natural environment.
Year: 2019
Instructor: Skye Long
Client: Four Fictional Families
Tasks
Phase I
To improve the scientific accuracy and soundness of the design scheme, there was a lot of research on the form and materiality of mushrooms and how mushroom mycelium could be used for the building material throughout the homes. My research led me to choose the mushroom Leucoagaricus Leucothites because its form provides excellent shading.
To improve the scientific accuracy and soundness of the design scheme, there was a lot of research on the form and materiality of mushrooms and how mushroom mycelium could be used for the building material throughout the homes. My research led me to choose the mushroom Leucoagaricus Leucothites because its form provides excellent shading.
Phase II
For architectural design inspiration, I examined the organic and mushroom-like work of Gaudí, Hundertwasser, and Kiesler.
For architectural design inspiration, I examined the organic and mushroom-like work of Gaudí, Hundertwasser, and Kiesler.
Experience
I enjoyed the creative freedom that I had on this project, which made for a whimsical and otherworldly design. While I had to have scientific accuracy, I was not limited by a specific program and existing site. Once a week I shared my scientific research and mushroom construction with the teaching instructors to receive feedback and update the design as necessary.
