Design studies and applications of mycelium biocomposites in architecture

Design of the built environment is becoming gradually more important to maintain the quality of life and biodiversity. Integration of architecture and biology has great potential since biotechnology and biology’s developments lead to understanding how nature works. Interdisciplinary studies, which are inspired by nature and related to the fields of science and biology/biotechnology, have a principal place in today’s design strategies. A new approach that integrates living organisms into the design that goes beyond inspiration from nature is “biodesign via bio-collaboration.” Enhancing the interest of several communities and industries in mycelial research to demonstrate the potential of mycelium in architectural design and construction sectors is one of our primary goals. In this chapter, the authors aim to address the potential of mycelium use for biocomposite production in construction. This chapter focuses both on discussing mycelium in the design and construction sectors to create a bio-based material and to further understanding of the physical limits, properties, and potential of mycelium-based biocomposite products, by utilizing the same fungal type (Pleurotus ostreatus) with similar production processes. Two research groups collaborated on this study. Biodesign Team Turkey worked on mycelium composites with a focus on understanding the mechanics of textile reinforcement and its optimization; a group at Stuttgart University focused on demonstrating construction methods and their potential use via fabrication of a structural element prototype. Our findings indicate that by controlling the environment and the organism’s colonization process, it is possible to use mycelium with fabric reinforcement as an in situ construction approach for the future of architectural projects. However, the stability of the final product, as well as long-term endurance to environmental conditions require further research and improvement.