This project explores the use of mycelium for the development of bio-based and biodegradable materials, which could potentially replace fossil-based materials. Mycelium is part of a fungus consisting of hyphae that act like glue and connect smaller particles of any organic substrate. In this project, I focused mainly on hands-on material research, learning directly from the mycelium in all its stages in the Living Lab. I experimented with different substrates, fungal species, and after-treatments to change the properties of the material.

To showcase my research and the potential possibilities of this material I took a highly consumable everyday object; a portable Bluetooth speaker as a case study and re-designed it into the mycelium speaker, to spark a debate among consumers about the material and social consequences of “cheap” plastic products and possible material futures.