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Mycelium-Based Composites: Surveying Their Acceptance by Professional Architects
Anna Lewandowska1, Agata Bonenberg1, Maciej Sydor2
1Institute of Interior Design and Industrial Design, Faculty of Architecture, Poznan University of Technology, 61-131 Poznań, Poland.
Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2024
Summary
Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are largely unknown to designers, but 90% find them visually appealing after viewing examples. Architects show a "double standard," preferring MBCs for client projects over personal use.
Area of Science:
- * Biomaterials Science
- * Sustainable Construction Materials
- * Mycology in Design
Background:
- * Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) offer sustainable solutions for the construction industry.
- * Challenges exist in utilizing MBCs due to their inherent fungal material properties.
- * Understanding designer perceptions is crucial for MBC adoption in architecture and interior design.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate architects' and interior designers' familiarity with MBCs.
- * To assess the aesthetic appeal of MBCs among design professionals.
- * To determine the willingness of designers to incorporate MBCs into their work.
Main Methods:
- * A three-phase survey was administered to professional architects and interior designers.
- * Phase 1: Assessed views on ecological design principles.
- * Phase 2: Evaluated aesthetic appeal of MBC architectural objects.
- * Phase 3: Measured interest in using mycelium-based materials.
Main Results:
- * Low familiarity with MBCs among surveyed professionals; only 50% knew the material.
- * High visual appeal (90%) after exposure to MBC examples.
- * Thermal treatment enhanced perceived aesthetic value compared to natural, unprocessed MBCs.
- * Architects exhibited a 'double standard,' showing greater willingness to use MBCs for client projects than for personal use.
Conclusions:
- * MBCs possess significant aesthetic potential, but awareness among design professionals needs improvement.
- * Material processing (e.g., thermal treatment) can positively influence design perception.
- * A gap exists between professional adoption willingness for client versus personal projects, highlighting a need for further research into adoption barriers.
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