How it all started
Dominik Einfalt (Clean Lab), Doudouce Knol (Aquaponics) and Vera Catalano (Aquaponics) explored the different ways of using mycelium and combined their interests in mycomaterials and plants to come up with a simple technique to "mold" plant pots. They developed a workshop in order to deepen their understanding on this topic, to gain teaching experience, and to share their finding and excitement with an audience.
We conducted two test workshops among our Mediamatic colleagues. It was first supposed to be just one test, but so many people wanted to join, that we had to split the group in two. And because we want our colleagues to also learn about each other's work, of course everyone should have a chance to join. During the tryout, we wanted to test how the space (Clean Lab) worked for a "full house", whether the presentation was good, and if all the tools and techniques were there. Both tests went very well, apart from very small adjustments, and Dominik and Doudouce we ready to host their workshop!
This is how we promoted the workshop on our website:
Introduction
It's obvious that we should re-think our destructive consumption behaviours, and mycelium can play a part in that. The living organism can be shaped into various shapes to create products that are 100% degradable. Come to get introduced into the possibilities of mycelium, learn how to mold and shape the bio-material, and create an earth-to-earth pot for your plants.
Mycelium : The plastic of the future
Mycelium is the root system and vegetative part of the mushroom as it absorbs nutrients from the environment. A bio-material with mycelium can be used to create high quality products that are 100% degradable. Due to the mycelium's nourishing qualities, these products will eventually feed the soil and plants if they degrade.
What you will do
In this workshop you will get an introduction into the possibilities of mycelium, and learn one technique of designing with myco-materials. You will immediately apply your freshly gained knowledge to create a biodegradable plant pot. The result can be picked up at Mediamatic 2 weeks after the workshop.
You will immediately apply your freshly gained knowledge to create a biodegradable plant pot. The result can be picked up at Mediamatic 2 weeks after the workshop.
Tutors
Dominik Einfalt is studying graphic design at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and is currently doing an internship in the CleanLab at Mediamatic. His main focus lies in trans-medial work, interactive installations and bio-arts. Doudouce Knol is doing her internship at the Aquaponics Greenhouse. She is interested in combining plants with degradable materials. Together they have combined their expertise and research about plants and mycelium to create this method of making a mycelium plant pot. You can read more about their research here.
How it went
Because of the corona measures at the time, Mediamatic was sadly forced to close its doors for a few months. This meant that Molding Mycelium only took place once - on the 2nd of December 2020.
The participants really liked the workshop. The evaluation cards that we handed out after the workshop came back with good ratings and reviews. We are therefore saddened by the fact that this workshop could not take place again, but we're happy to say that Dominik and Doudouche learned a lot, and are pursuing new and exciting things.
Best workshop photos
