MY-CO SPACE: An artistic-scientific vision on how to build with fungi

Abstract

MY-CO SPACE is a collaborative work of the interdisciplinary SciArt collective MY-CO-X, that enables an artistic-scientific discussion about a future social significance of fungi for the creation of places and spaces. MY-CO SPACE is a wooden fungal sculpture that was built from biological materials and is biodegradable. The living space of approx. 20 sqm can be divided by the guests themselves into sleeping, reading, and working areas. It is not a completely enclosed space but a retreat and study space that lives from and deals with the contact with the outside world. This architectural artwork strives for a different point of view and a process of interaction in which humans are involved in a conscious as well as unconscious conversation with their environment, a point of view that tacitly implies a flattening of hierarchies between the different agents and authors - human as well as non-human. MY-CO SPACE is therefore a built reflection on a cooperation with biological systems that store, transform, and recycle organic matter and energy, and an exploration of fungi as a future lightweight building material resistant to fire, shock and water, and whose modification through biotechnology is possible. It is the urgency of the planetary situation and the issues we now face that require a holistic approach and close collaboration between art and science.

Unlocking the magic in mycelium: Using synthetic biology to optimize filamentous fungi for biomanufacturing and sustainability

“…In the case of mushroom-forming fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus , their glucan- and chitin-rich hyphae bind plant-derived substrates rich in cellulose and lignin together, conferring high rigidity to the overall interconnected structure [ 52 , 53 ]. After being treated by heat inactivation, these mycelium-based composite materials are mechanically strong enough to serve as packaging materials and structural components in furniture and installations at the architectural scale [ [54] , [55] , [56] ]. Several filamentous fungi can use their mycelium as nucleation sites for calcium carbonate biomineralization, further expanding the usability of mycelium composites as structural materials [ 57 , 58 ].…”

Investigation of the interface of fungal mycelium composite building materials by means of low‐vacuum scanning electron microscopy

“…[16][17][18][19] Fundamental studies on fungal mycelium composites in combination with mineral building materials are still limited to special cases, such as in combining 3D-printed clay with mycelium. 20,21 To develop layered or sandwiched structure between mineral building materials and fungal-based composites, there behaviour at the zone of contact remains to be determined. For examples, how fungal hyphae grow on the surface of mineral materials, and how sufficient the bonding between the two is without using additional adhesives.…”

“…The principle is to equip concrete with dormant spores and nutrients to enable the repair of occurring micro‐cracks by bio‐mineralisation thereby increase the lifespan of buildings 16–19 . Fundamental studies on fungal mycelium composites in combination with mineral building materials are still limited to special cases, such as in combining 3D‐printed clay with mycelium 20,21 …”