Made of fungi, mycelium hits market as green substitute for leather, plastic
March 25, 2021
2016 Wall Scholar, Prof. Joseph Dahmen (UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture) was interviewed by CBC News about the use of mycelium-based materials in fashion and architecture.
Dahmen has worked with mycelium-based materials for years and during his time at PWIAS he focused on the development of mycelium biocomposites for architectural applications. His research engaged with both the technical and broader cultural aspects of mycelium-based materials through physical testing and architectural installations to advance the cause of sustainability across disciplines.
The article mentions a variety of uses for mycelium-based materials, from designer clothing to insulated packaging. Fungi’s insulating qualities prompted Dahmen to create a biodegradable composting toilet for refugee camps. The toilet traps heat to speed up decomposition and after use can simply be buried.
Read the entire feature on CBC News.
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