Myco-Module

ITECH Seminar | 6 ECTS | Winter Semester 2022/23

E. Biala, P. Fabirkiewicz, Prof. M. Ostermann (IBK2)

Mycelium is the vegetative part of fungi, composed of a dense, root-like, branching network, termed hyphae. When grown on the lignocellulosic substrate (for example wood or hemp chips), mycelium binds it together into a lightweight composite material with physical properties similar to hard foams or softwood. Mycelium composites are one of the few renewable materials, which allow for molding and are biodegradable. They open up new perspectives for the fabrication of free-form elements with the use of flexible formworks, lost formworks, or 3D printing. The use of regenerative materials as formworks or reinforcement (for example bamboo fibers, hemp textiles, or flax fibers) allows further customization of properties and forms of building elements, without losing their biodegradable characteristics.

This seminar gives the opportunity to explore the possibilities of fabricating building elements from mycelium composites, with a special focus on facade solutions.

During this seminar, students will be asked to work in the Future Material Lab (IBK2's research facility in Filderstadt) on the cultivation of samples of mycelium material in a laboratory setting. Most of the seminar time will be dedicated to experiments on prototypical fabrication methods with mycelium: growing samples, building smaller and bigger models, and mock-ups. This seminar is most suitable for students, who want to work hands-on with a living material and find out about challenges and opportunities.

Seminar is structured as a free-seminar, where working time and consultations in the laboratory will be agreed individually with the participating students.

Maximum number of students: 4

on appointment
First Meeting: Thursday, 27th of October, 14:00-15:00
[FuMaLab, Echterdinger Straße 57, Bau 10]

ITECH Module: Building Systems
Examination Number: 49811

[Photo: IBK2, University of Stuttgart]

 

To the top of the page