From Field to Form: Mycelium is an event HML co-hosted with the Architectural League and is part of a series “exploring the possibilities, life cycles, and architectural implications of plant- and earth-based materials.”
Fungi are powerful allies — used for food, medicine, and environmental cleanup. Mycelium, the vast network of fungal threads, is now also taking root as a sustainable, climate-positive material for constructing healthier spaces. This in-depth conversation with pioneers in mycelium-based design includes: Serena Camere from mogu, Christopher Maurer from redhouse studio, and Joshua English and Chris Magwood from okom wrks labs. Moderated by Yale’s Mae-ling Lokko and Parsons Healthy Materials Lab’s Jonsara Ruth, the program explores how mycelium can revolutionize materials, fostering new possibilities for a healthy, carbon-conscious built future.
“Fungi are more closely related to humans than they are to plants and they breathe in oxygen and breathe out co2 like us…” -Joshua English
Mycelium offers immense potential as a sustainable material, capable of replacing plastics and contributing to regenerative design. It can be grown on agricultural waste like straw and bagasse to create acoustic tiles, structural blocks, and more. These materials are fire-resistant, self-extinguishing, and can even store carbon. Some of the challenges include scaling up production, maintaining consistency, and collaborating with clean byproduct sources. Embracing imperfection and learning to “listen” to fungi are essential for advancing mycelium applications.
Innovations like biowelding, mycelium-based radiation protection, and structural applications for buildings, showcase the groundbreaking possibilities of this material. As a climate-positive alternative, mycelium paves the way for a healthier and regenerative future.
Watch the recording below.
Related Links:
- Read the speaker bios here.
- Check out the Fungi Material Collection.
- Listen to Season 3: Fungi of the Trace Material Podcast.