BIO-FABRICATION WITH MYCELIUM 2018
PROJECT JERUSALEM ³
ABSTRACT
We intend to create an inhabitable structure of mycelium that is capable of being scalable and extrapolated. This would be done through the modular aggregation of individual mycelium blocks. These individual standardised component parts of mycelium are generated from digitally fabricated moulds. These moulds are input with mycelium and then allowed to grow, producing a single component part. These component parts would be aggregated through spontaneous participatory processes and gamification. This finalised product would be in a form of an occupiable installation at an art festival. The installation is made of two parts, one formed by off-site modules and another half of on-site modules.
PHASE 1 RESEARCH
INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH
PRECEDENTS
The research was carried out by three different researchers, one looked at testing the complex geometry fabrication based on the existing mycelium block prefabrication methodology. The second part of the research looked into the less discussed topic of on-site cultivation methods in order to explore the potentials and limitation of considering mycelium as a legitimate building material, approximate to concrete. Specifically about the intrinsic self-assembly property of living mycelium to binds with its own kind, acting like a healing agent. The third research discusses the application of participatory design approaches in bio-design as a 'Rhizomatic learning process'. Bounded by Support and Infill design principles, the research output presented in a form of Jerusalem³, as a tangible complex form used for testing of this fabrication methodology. A modular ordering system allows the Jerusalem³ to adopt a kit of parts approach. The Jerusalem³ is to be proposed as an installation for an art festival, as an artefact of symbolism. The provocation of the installation is also embeded in the concepts of decomposition and end of life deconstruction of the istallation. Everything dies, even the sanctity fades away with the symbols, everything returns to nature.
PHASE 2
GROWING TEST
PHASE 3
SCHEMATIC DESIGN
ON-SITE GROWING METHODOLOGY
FROM GROWING INCUBATOR TO STRUCTURE PARTS
OFFSITE GROWING METHODOLOGY
PHASE 4
MOLD DESIGN AND FABRICATION
FABRICATION PROCESS
Repetitive testing and prototyping was done during the fabrication process, such as the variation of the offseting of the slots that hold the pieces together. The 0.1mm offset that works well on cardboard has to be modified due to the conditions of in materiality of acrylic. the joinery was found too tight and so the tolerance offset was decreased to 0.08mm.
Fabrication on acrylic is chosen as the ideal material for the onsite growing incubator due to its its transparency and inert properties. It also allows the maximum engagement of participants for the bio-material growing process. However, future research will propose an alternative material to replace the acrylic, a kind of bio-plastic which disintegrates within the structure once it has served its purpose as a mold.
Precautions need to be taken while laser-cutting acrylic or other plastics. It is advised that you wear a mask as the gas produced when acrylic is melted by the high temperature of laser cutter is pungent and highly toxic. It is also advised to work with a laser-cutter that has better ventilation system (preferably one with an under-sheet exhaust fan, specifically under the acrylic board). The gas produced remains trapped under the board, causing it to pop regularly. Popping causes shift of material and reducing the precision for the cutting, and potentially ruining the sheet.
VISUALIZATION
