project04:Material Study
Material Studies
Introduction
This project revolves around the growing of architecture by application of mycelium. Mycelium is the vegetative part of fungi. This biological tissue/ material is composed from tube-like fibers. These fibers are called hypha and are approximately 1 lm in diameter. Hypha grow by elogation of the apical tip. Which means that the fibers grow faster in the tips than in its branches. On occasion these fibers branch out and merge with other hyphae. As a consequence a random fibernetwork structure is formed; The mycelium. (Lull et al., 2005)
Biological Properties
Lifecycle of fungi
Since fungi is a living organism the species goes through the cycle of life. Within the image
Species
The species that are used most often are the Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus, Oesterzwam(NL)) and the Split Gill (Schizophyllum commune, Waaiertje (NL))
Behaviour
Nutrition
Fungi live on organic materials, some tend to eat plastic, some clean soil.
Structural Properties
Tension
Stress
Composites Enhancement
Structural Enhancement
Joining of materials
In order to join mycelium you can let it grow on other living mycelium parts
Environmental Properties
Waterproof
Windproof
Fire Safety
Acoustics
Insulation
Resistance to Toxins
Biodegradation
Effect on the ecosystem
Comperision to concrete, styrofoam. Usage of waste streams.
Waste production.
In order to produce mycelium based products.
Applicational Properties
Aesthetics
Patterns
Machine Alterations
Biovoltaics
Product lifecycle
Pure mycellium and composite mycelium
