A Fungal Opportunity

When designer furniture becomes a part of nature. 

On the exhibition '70 % Less CO2' you can explore the project 'A Fungal Opportunity'.

The design industry needs to work on a transition towards circular economy. As consumption is inevitable, the solution is not to stop producing, but to produce right: Designers need to explore materials that work with nature, rather than against it.

This project demonstrates a functional piece of furniture taking part in nature’s own ecosystem: The materials used are to be found in nature as well as degradable by it. The stool is based on mycelium – an interwoven network of fungi composing particles. To achieve a strong material, a hemp substrate is added to the mycelium on which it can grow. 

The project seeks to demystify fungus as a material and raise questions about its aesthetics and cultural acceptance. The material in use can replace the unsustainable polyurethane (PU) in soft seating furniture.