Harvested Assemblies

Research question: Can intersecting mycelium growth protocols with traditional woodwork and basketry lead to the invention of new craft typologies?

Keywords: mycelium, bio-marquetry, bio-joinery, bio-patterning, bio-assemblage, craft

Harvested Assemblies includes a collection of three vessels and 7 material prototypes. The biological capacity of mycelium to digest and transform materials is incorporated into the process of basketry weaving and woodwork to craft bio-assemblies. Harvested and grown, the materials are sourced from fallen trees, horticultural garden waste, organic and local reeds and deadstock textiles. The surface patterns and joinery processes emerge from the intersection of traditional hand-made techniques (carving, weaving, inlay) and grow-made protocols. Working with bio-informed strategies allows for the design of new surface patterns as well as the hybrid bio-assemblage of materials.

The past decade has seen the flourishment of mycelium materials and their commercial scaling up. Whilst mycelium research has translated into industrial prerogatives, the role of mycelium in craft practice remains a significant area for practice-based research investigation into new ways of making. Harvested assemblies is situated at the intersection of biodesign and traditional craft practices where the hybridisation of wood and basketry techniques with mycelium growth protocols allows for new craft typologies to emerge.

New Knowledge Contribution:
By revisiting traditional craft processes, this research inquiry produces new insights into craft production by developing innovative techniques such as bio-marquetry and bio-joinery.

• https://www.biennale-design.com/saint-et...
• https://www.biofab.world