Our latest project, an arch made from fungal mycelium grown within 3D knitted fabric formwork, is on display at the Design Museum, London
Future Observatory display. © Felix Speller for the DesignMuseum
We are exhibiting our latest BioKnit prototype, a catenary arch that spans over two metres, at the Future Observatory Design Research Exhibition in London. The arch demonstrates the design possibilities of a biofabrication system that brings together 3D knitted fabric formwork with mycocrete; our unique formulation of mycelium composite, developed for use with soft textile moulds.
The BioKnit Arch is a bespoke site-specific structure designed to fit the exact dimensions of the Design Museum gallery. It was a challenging brief, working to such precision using new biohybrid materials, however we achieved the accuracy through a process that integrates parametric modelling, biotechnology and digital fabrication of knitted modules.
We are very excited about the design potential of this new biotechnology; the ability to produce new geometries, curved surfaces and organic forms is very compelling for future architecture. What we are hoping to achieve is a vision for low impact construction materials with new aesthetics and new tactile experiences that emerge from mycelium coming together with textiles at an architectural scale.
Research Team: Jane Scott, Ben Bridgens, Romy Kaiser, Armand Agraviador,
Research Support: Dilan Ozkan, Oliver Perry
Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Newcastle University
More information:
https://futureobservatory.org/programme/exhibitions/future-observatory-display
responsiveknit 