Seventeenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Fungi Narratives is an experimental material research project. The results are extracted fungi materials and biodegradable biopolymers used in implementations for design techniques such as up-cycling and embroidery, accessory design, and paper production. Fomes Fomentarius is found to have various properties. Amadou could be useful in the future of sustainable alternatives to leather. The project included harvesting the fungi, dissecting, and then experimenting in different directions. Adding biopolymers increased the possibilities of use for fungi and let us control the flexibility or stiffness of the materials. User interaction research showed curiosity and positive feedback upon surface feel, optic, and wearability of the fungi material. Research about the materials was conducted through experiments in the Design School Kolding, Denmark. The use of Amadou leather, that originates inside the fungus, was one of the highlights of this project. We were able to use this material as organic leather, with limited negative environmental impact. From the beginning our approach was not to interfere with the natural source and learn from it, letting the material guide us through the process. The biopolymers we used were an ideal complementary medium to the fungi. Working with natural materials presented many challenges and disappointments, it required patience and a lot of time as the materials are delicate and could not be forced to work. Understanding under which circumstances the biopolymers succeeded with the fungi and when they were incompatible was key. Our aim persists to be the development of innovative materials that don’t challenge our ecosystem.