Exploring Suitable Growing Parameters of Mycelium Prototyping for Art Installations
摘要
This paper aims to extend the limitations of the biomaterials field to be applied in the art/design field. Nowadays, art installations mean a pile of plastics and toxins in the atmosphere. However, have you ever thought of creating installations from bio-based natural microorganisms? The previous research in the past decade have shown clear hope in using mycelium in the design field. This study documents an experimental study to create art installations from the mycelium of reishi mushroom species belonging to the genus Ganoderma. We will go through creating the mycelium mixture and molding it then finally baking it. Furthermore, we will discuss the adequate growing parameters and the best culture media for its growth. First, we will use malt, yeast, and glucose culture media and then compare it to the flour cornstarch mixture. We concluded that the flour and cornstarch mixture had better and faster results. In conclusion, our findings indicate the accessibility of using mycelium in art installations and that it has several advantages over the plastic ones in terms of sustainability and creating a zero-waste society.