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Updated: May 10, 2026

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Living Textures and Mycelium Skin Co-Creation: Designing Colour, Pattern, and Performance for Bio-Aesthetic
Anastasia Globa1, Eugene Soh2, Hortense Le Ferrand2,3
1School of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney, 148 City Rd., Darlington, NSW 2008, Australia.
This study shows that mycelium-bound composites (MBCs) can be aesthetically controlled through surface treatments. This research explores bio-design potential for sustainable architecture using the Reishi mushroom.
Area of Science:
- Material Science
- Bio-design
- Sustainable Architecture
Background:
- Natural materials offer sustainable architectural solutions but often lack aesthetic control.
- Mycelium-bound composites (MBCs) are explored as a sustainable alternative.
- Controlling the aesthetic expression of biological materials is a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bio-aesthetic potential of mycelium-bound composites (MBCs) from Ganoderma Steyaertanum (Reishi mushroom).
- To assess how external stimuli and surface treatments influence the aesthetic expression of MBCs.
- To explore co-creative design processes with living materials.
Main Methods:
- Two post-demolding surface treatment strategies ('Delayed Growth' and 'Accelerated Growth') were applied to MBC samples.
- Samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and hydrophobicity testing.
- Microstructure, chemical composition, and surface properties were evaluated to understand mycelium responsiveness.
Main Results:
- Mycelium demonstrated a measurable capacity for aesthetic adaptation.
- Distinct variations in pigmentation and texture were observed under different treatment conditions.
- Surface treatments significantly influenced the material's visual and textural characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Controlled interaction with bio-materials like mycelium enables aesthetic customization.
- This research expands possibilities for bio-design in architecture and sustainable material systems.
- Findings support the integration of biological responsiveness into design practices for innovative material development.
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