"Other UBC"@en . "DSpace"@en . "University of British Columbia. Sustainability Office"@en . "Dahmen, Joseph"@en . "2017-03-08T19:36:49Z"@en . "2016-06-07"@en . "This UBC SEEDS (Social Ecological Economic Development Studies) project activated a\r\nspace on the UBC campus through the design and fabrication of a architectural seating\r\ninstallation using sustainable biocomposite materials derived from mycelium (mushrooms)\r\nand cellulosic byproducts of the BC forestry industry. The aesthetic and structural potential\r\nof these materials were explored using laboratory testing and design-based research\r\nmethodologies. The result was playful and inviting seating for the UBC campus. The\r\ninstallation explored concepts and modes that communicate the values of sustainability in a\r\nvisceral way through innovative forms on which people can sit and relax. Disclaimer: \u00E2\u0080\u009CUBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.\u00E2\u0080\u009D"@en . "https://circle.library.ubc.ca/rest/handle/2429/60838?expand=metadata"@en . " UBC Social Ecological Economic Development Studies (SEEDS) Student ReportMushroom FurnitureJoseph Dahmen, Amber Frid-Jimenez University of British ColumbiaVOL 500June 07, 201611302159 Disclaimer: \u00E2\u0080\u009CUBC SEEDS Program provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or a SEEDS team representative about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report\u00E2\u0080\u009D. UBC Social Ecological Economic Development Studies (SEEDS) Report Mushroom Furniture Joseph Dahmen University of British Columbia June 7, 2016 2 Table of Contents Overview 3 Project Description 3 Discussion 4 Conclusion 5 Appendices Appendix A: Technical report on cultivation of mycelium biocomposites Appendix B: Mycelium Mockup at Museum of Vancouver Appendix C: They Grow Without Us: Mushroom Furniture at UBC Appendix D: Soft Matters: Responsive Architectural Operations 3 Overview This UBC SEEDS (Social Ecological Economic Development Studies) project activated a space on the UBC campus through the design and fabrication of a architectural seating installation using sustainable biocomposite materials derived from mycelium (mushrooms) and cellulosic byproducts of the BC forestry industry. The aesthetic and structural potential of these materials were explored using laboratory testing and design-based research methodologies. The result was playful and inviting seating for the UBC campus. The installation explored concepts and modes that communicate the values of sustainability in a visceral way through innovative forms on which people can sit and relax. Biocomposites are sustainable, high-performance materials with the potential to replace the engineered woods and other structural materials now on the market. Mycelium-based biocomposites refer to materials in which loose cellulosic materials are inoculated with mycelium spores, which act as binders to produce solid objects. Typical strength is comparable to that of expanded polystyrene (XPS) foams in wide use in the North American construction industry as thermal insulation. Once the desired amount of strength has been achieved, growth is checked through the application of modest amounts of heat. The finished materials are natural, renewable, biodegradable, and fully compostable at project end. The project contributed to sustainability at UBC in three primary ways: 1. Laboratory testing of an emergent sustainable material2. Design exploration with students of a leading edge sustainable material3. Development of an architectural seating installation on campus using biocompositesthat provided the UBC community an opportunity to experience the explorationviscerally, through direct contact with them.The project contributed innovative interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials, building technology, mycology and sustainable architecture, bringing the research out of the laboratory so that it could be directly experienced by a wide segment of the UBC community. Project participants included Joseph Dahmen at the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (PI), Amber Frid-Jimenez, Canada Research Chair of Design and Technology at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, as well as student research assistants at both institutions, Scott Henderson, a Vancouver-based mycologist, Collin Varner, UBC Horticulturalist, and the president and technical staff of All Seasons Mushrooms, a commercial mushroom farm located in Langley, BC. Project Description This UBC SEEDS (Social Ecological Economic Development Studies) project created an architectural installation that activated a central space on the UBC campus with public seating fabricated with mycelium biocomposites. The installation drew upon interdisciplinary research conducted at UBC on mycelium biocomposites derived from local mushrooms and by-products of the forestry industry. The installation utilized design-based research methodology to explore the aesthetic and structural potentials of these cutting edge sustainable material in the form of playful, elegant and inviting seating for the UBC campus. The installation communicated the value of interdisciplinary research and sustainability to a broad public in a visceral way through innovative furniture on which people can sit and relax. Biocomposites are high-performance sustainable materials with the potential to replace engineered woods and other structural materials in wide use within architecture and construction. Mycelium-based biocomposites refer to materials in which loose granular materials are held together by mycelium, or the roots of mushrooms. The sterilized growth 4 medium is inoculated with mycelium spores, which grow throughout the interstitial spaces of the substrate to produce a cross-linked three-dimensional matrix of structural polysaccharides. Once fully colonized with mycelium, the substrate is then ground up and moulded into shapes. The shapes can be removed from their moulds after several days, at which point they are typically subjected high temperatures to dry them and check the further growth of mycelium. The finished material develops the approximate strength of polystyrene foams (e.g. Styrofoam), making it a possible substitute for these environmentally toxic architectural materials currently in wide use in building construction. Mycelium biocomposites can be combined with durable natural coatings to produce objects that are renewable, biodegradable, and fully compostable. Research at conducted UBC has proven the feasibility of producing mycelium biocomposite blocks using pleurotus ostreatus (commonly known as oyster mushroom) mushroom spores native to the region in a growth medium of sterilized sawdust. The project was divided into two primary phases as follows: 1. Phase I (Sept 2014-June 2015): ResearchMaterial research and design exploration, in which samples of myceliumbiocomposites were be created and tested in a range of conditions. Differentfabrication methods (molding, CNC routing, hand shaping) were tested and differentcoatings and other finishing options were investigated (bio-epoxies, conventionalpolyester resins, and poly urea-based elastomeric coatings). An iterative designmethodology was pursued to incorporate knowledge gained into Phase I prototypes.2. Phase II (August 2015- April 2016): FabricationFarbrication of architectural seating installation. During Phase II the knowledgegained during Phase I was be applied to produce a temporary seating installation oncampus open to the UBC community. The results of Phase II can be found inAppendices B,C, and DResearch during Phase I of the project was carried out at the Lasserre Building. The results of Phase I research can be found in Appendix A. During Phase II, research and growth experiments were carried out in a 1,500 square foot greenhouse at the south end of the UBC Campus, which UBC Facilities granted the use of from August 2015 to May 2016. The architectural installation was installed on April 12, 2016 at Raymond and Money M.C. Lee Square, a new public square at the intersection of University and East Mall roads, where remained for two months. The installation was commissioned by UBC Campus and Community Planning and approved as a part of the UBC Centennial Initiative in the area of sustainability. Funding was provided by UBC SEEDS (Social Ecological Economic Development Studies) and UBC Campus and Community Planning. Funds from the Peter Wall Arts Based Initiative helped cover installation materials, fabrication expenses, and graduate research assistants working on the project to see it through to completion. Additional funding received from the Alma Mater Society (AMS) was used to organize outreach activities among the student population at UBC. These included a moulding demonstration, in which students and other members of the UBC community had the opportunity to try moulding the mycelium, and a social event at the opening of the installation on campus. In addition to the installation at UBC, the research public exhibition at the Museum of Vancouver. This installation, entitled Mycelium Mockup, was held in August 2015. Visual documentation of the installation can be found in Appendix B, which was the basis for a peer reviewed conference poster documenting the research that was presented at 2016 annual 5 meeting of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. The installation and related themes are further explored in \u00E2\u0080\u009CSoft Matters,\u00E2\u0080\u009D an invited peer-reviewed 2,500 word article by Joseph Dahmen published in the Journal of Technoetic Arts, a transdisciplinary journal that focuses upon the juncture between art, technology and the mind. The article is included in Appendix D. The architectural furniture installation will be the subject of peer reviewed journal publications in the future, in addition to a technical article documenting the production of mycelium biocomposites. An illustrated write-up of the installation will also be submitted to online sources documenting sustainable architecture and the project submitted for sustainability awards within the architecture and product design fields. Discussion The relentless cycle of consumption characteristic of contemporary architecture highlights the need to rethink its constituent materials. Mycelium biocomposites are visionary materials that suggest a future in which dynamic architectural components are grown rather than manufactured, provoking new approaches to architectural production. Mycelium biocomposites, which refer to materials in which granular materials are held together the roots of mushrooms, suggest a future in which dynamic architectural components are grown rather than manufactured, adding to local ecosystems and serving needs that are simultaneously structural, aesthetic, and visceral. The finished materials develop strength comparable to that of polystyrene foams (e.g. Styrofoam), making them a possible substitute for these environmentally toxic architectural materials currently in wide use in building construction. Mycelium biocomposites can be combined with durable natural coatings to produce objects that are renewable, biodegradable, and fully compostable. The SEEDS research at UBC demonstrates the feasibility of producing mycelium biocomposite blocks using local materials and mushroom strains. Mycelium biocomposites offer the prospect of autopoesis, in which silently growing buildings replace the shrieking saws and clanging hammers of carbon-intensive construction methods. During the life of a building, the flexible living materials are capable of adapting to change and serving needs that are simultaneously structural, aesthetic, and visceral. When buildings are decommissioned at the end of their useful life, the mycelium blocks, which encode dormant organic decay into their basic structure, add valuable material to local ecosystems by breaking down other assemblies and making nutrients bio-available to other organisms. A response to unceasing cycle of demolition and rebuilding in contemporary free market cities, the mycelium biocomposite furniture installation suggests an alternate future in which the materiality of architecture engages with sustainability and temporality in new and productive ways. Conclusion This UBC SEEDS project activated a space on the UBC campus through the design and fabrication of a architectural seating installation using emergent sustainable biocomposite materials derived from mycelium and cellulosic byproducts of the BC forestry industry. Biocomposites are sustainable, high-performance materials with the potential to replace the engineered woods and other structural materials now on the market. The finished materials are natural, renewable, biodegradable, and fully compostable at project end. The project contributed to sustainability at UBC in three primary ways: 1. Laboratory testing of an emergent sustainable material 2. Design exploration of a leading edge sustainable material 3. Development of an architectural seating installation on campus using biocomposites that provided the UBC community an opportunity to experience the exploration viscerally, through direct contact with them. 6 The project showed that durable mycelium biocomposite materials can be grown from regional sources of fungus and byproducts of the regional forestry industry. The project contributed to innovative interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials, building technology, mycology and sustainable architecture, bringing the research out of the laboratory so that it can be directly experienced by a wide segment of the UBC community. The project demonstrates that there is substantial potential for developing these emergent materials further for use in Canada. TweetUBC\u00C2\u00A0NewsMushrooms\u00C2\u00A0hold\u00C2\u00A0potential\u00C2\u00A0for\u00C2\u00A0sustainable\u00C2\u00A0building\u00C2\u00A0materialsMedia\u00C2\u00A0Release\u00C2\u00A0|\u00C2\u00A0April\u00C2\u00A019,\u00C2\u00A02016UBC\u00C2\u00A0School\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0Architecture\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0Landscape\u00C2\u00A0Architecture\u00C2\u00A0professor\u00C2\u00A0Joe\u00C2\u00A0Dahmen.We\u00C2\u00A0slice\u00C2\u00A0them\u00C2\u00A0on\u00C2\u00A0pizza,\u00C2\u00A0toss\u00C2\u00A0them\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0salad\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0saut\u00C3\u00A9\u00C2\u00A0them\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0stirfry.\u00C2\u00A0But\u00C2\u00A0have\u00C2\u00A0you\u00C2\u00A0ever\u00C2\u00A0thought\u00C2\u00A0about\u00C2\u00A0usingmushrooms\u00C2\u00A0as\u00C2\u00A0furniture?\u00C2\u00A0According\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0work\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0team\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0researchers,\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0humble\u00C2\u00A0fungus\u00C2\u00A0is\u00C2\u00A0ready\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0leave\u00C2\u00A0thekitchen\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0take\u00C2\u00A0up\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0role\u00C2\u00A0as\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0building\u00C2\u00A0material.In\u00C2\u00A0an\u00C2\u00A0innovative\u00C2\u00A0design\u00C2\u00A0project,\u00C2\u00A0six\u00C2\u00A0new\u00C2\u00A0stylish\u00C2\u00A0benches\u00C2\u00A0have\u00C2\u00A0been\u00C2\u00A0installed\u00C2\u00A0outside\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0UBC\u00C2\u00A0Bookstore.Assembled\u00C2\u00A0from\u00C2\u00A0light\u00C2\u00ADcoloured\u00C2\u00A0honeycomb\u00C2\u00ADshaped\u00C2\u00A0bricks\u00C2\u00A0under\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0top\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0clear\u00C2\u00A0acrylic,\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0seats\u00C2\u00A0are\u00C2\u00A0more\u00C2\u00A0than\u00C2\u00A0aneye\u00C2\u00ADcatching\u00C2\u00A0spot\u00C2\u00A0where\u00C2\u00A0students\u00C2\u00A0can\u00C2\u00A0relax\u00E2\u0080\u0094they\u00E2\u0080\u0099re\u00C2\u00A0also\u00C2\u00A0very\u00C2\u00A0much\u00C2\u00A0alive,\u00C2\u00A0grown\u00C2\u00A0from\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0blend\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0oyster\u00C2\u00A0mushroomspores\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0alder\u00C2\u00A0sawdust\u00C2\u00A0packed\u00C2\u00A0into\u00C2\u00A0moulds.The\u00C2\u00A0roots\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0project\u00C2\u00A0stretch\u00C2\u00A0back\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A02014,\u00C2\u00A0when\u00C2\u00A0assistant\u00C2\u00A0professor\u00C2\u00A0at\u00C2\u00A0UBC\u00C2\u00A0School\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0Architecture\u00C2\u00A0andLandscape\u00C2\u00A0Architecture\u00C2\u00A0Joe\u00C2\u00A0Dahmen\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0his\u00C2\u00A0partner\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0work\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0life,\u00C2\u00A0Amber\u00C2\u00A0Frid\u00C2\u00ADJimenez,\u00C2\u00A0Canada\u00C2\u00A0ResearchChair\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0Design\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0Technology\u00C2\u00A0at\u00C2\u00A0Emily\u00C2\u00A0Carr\u00C2\u00A0University\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0Art\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0Design,\u00C2\u00A0were\u00C2\u00A0expecting\u00C2\u00A0their\u00C2\u00A0second\u00C2\u00A0child.\u00C2\u00A0Theyhad\u00C2\u00A0been\u00C2\u00A0working\u00C2\u00A0on\u00C2\u00A0an\u00C2\u00A0architectural\u00C2\u00A0installation\u00C2\u00A0fabricated\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0recycled\u00C2\u00A0polystyrene\u00C2\u00A0blocks\u00E2\u0080\u0094not\u00C2\u00A0exactly\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0mostbenign\u00C2\u00A0material\u00C2\u00A0\u00E2\u0080\u0094when\u00C2\u00A0they\u00C2\u00A0decided\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0explore\u00C2\u00A0more\u00C2\u00A0eco\u00C2\u00ADfriendly\u00C2\u00A0options.\u00E2\u0080\u009CAmber\u00C2\u00A0couldn\u00E2\u0080\u0099t\u00C2\u00A0get\u00C2\u00A0near\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0thing\u00C2\u00A0because\u00C2\u00A0it\u00C2\u00A0was\u00C2\u00A0so\u00C2\u00A0toxic,\u00E2\u0080\u009D\u00C2\u00A0Dahmen\u00C2\u00A0recalled,\u00C2\u00A0touring\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0greenhouse\u00C2\u00A0where\u00C2\u00A0thebenches\u00C2\u00A0were\u00C2\u00A0grown.\u00C2\u00A0\u00E2\u0080\u009CIt\u00C2\u00A0got\u00C2\u00A0me\u00C2\u00A0thinking\u00C2\u00A0that\u00C2\u00A0there\u00C2\u00A0must\u00C2\u00A0be\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0more\u00C2\u00A0natural\u00C2\u00A0material\u00C2\u00A0that\u00C2\u00A0would\u00C2\u00A0still\u00C2\u00A0enable\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0similarrange\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0expression.\u00E2\u0080\u009DIn\u00C2\u00A0their\u00C2\u00A0search\u00C2\u00A0for\u00C2\u00A0an\u00C2\u00A0alternative,\u00C2\u00A0Dahmen\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0Frid\u00C2\u00ADJimenez\u00C2\u00A0discovered\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0world\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0mycelium\u00C2\u00A0biocomposites,\u00C2\u00A0anemerging\u00C2\u00A0field\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0which\u00C2\u00A0mushroom\u00C2\u00A0roots,\u00C2\u00A0or\u00C2\u00A0mycelium,\u00C2\u00A0grow\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0loose\u00C2\u00A0cellulosic\u00C2\u00A0material\u00C2\u00A0such\u00C2\u00A0as\u00C2\u00A0sawdust.\u00C2\u00A0Theresults\u00C2\u00A0are\u00C2\u00A0durable\u00C2\u00A0materials\u00C2\u00A0with\u00C2\u00A0attributes\u00C2\u00A0similar\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0that\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0polystyrene\u00C2\u00A0foams.\u00C2\u00A0Although\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0U.S.\u00C2\u00A0company\u00C2\u00A0recentlysigned\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0contract\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0provide\u00C2\u00A0Ikea\u00C2\u00A0with\u00C2\u00A0mycelium\u00C2\u00ADbased\u00C2\u00A0packaging,\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0method\u00C2\u00A0had\u00C2\u00A0yet\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0be\u00C2\u00A0done\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0Canada.Through\u00C2\u00A0UBC\u00E2\u0080\u0099s\u00C2\u00A0social\u00C2\u00A0ecological\u00C2\u00A0economic\u00C2\u00A0development\u00C2\u00A0studies\u00C2\u00A0(SEEDS)\u00C2\u00A0sustainability\u00C2\u00A0program(https://sustain.ubc.ca/courses\u00C2\u00ADteaching/seeds)\u00C2\u00A0,\u00C2\u00A0Dahmen\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0Frid\u00C2\u00ADJimenez\u00C2\u00A0worked\u00C2\u00A0with\u00C2\u00A0university\u00C2\u00A0students\u00C2\u00A0andstaff\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0develop\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0scalable\u00C2\u00A0method\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0producing\u00C2\u00A0mycelium\u00C2\u00A0biocomposites\u00C2\u00A0using\u00C2\u00A0two\u00C2\u00A0local\u00C2\u00A0materials:\u00C2\u00A0oystermushroom\u00C2\u00A0spores\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0alder\u00C2\u00A0sawdust.To\u00C2\u00A0address\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0size\u00C2\u00A0limitation\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0material\u00E2\u0080\u0094mycelium\u00C2\u00A0biocomposites\u00C2\u00A0risk\u00C2\u00A0contamination\u00C2\u00A0by\u00C2\u00A0mould\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0bacteria\u00C2\u00A0ifthey\u00C2\u00A0exceed\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0half\u00C2\u00ADmetre\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0thickness\u00E2\u0080\u0094Dahmen\u00C2\u00A0developed\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0new\u00C2\u00A0process\u00C2\u00A0that\u00C2\u00A0drew\u00C2\u00A0inspiration\u00C2\u00A0from\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0wasps\u00E2\u0080\u0099\u00C2\u00A0nestdiscovered\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0empty\u00C2\u00A0greenhouse\u00C2\u00A0that\u00C2\u00A0would\u00C2\u00A0house\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0project.\u00E2\u0080\u009CI\u00C2\u00A0was\u00C2\u00A0really\u00C2\u00A0amazed\u00C2\u00A0at\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0honeycomb\u00C2\u00A0structure,\u00C2\u00A0because\u00C2\u00A0it\u00E2\u0080\u0099s\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0highly\u00C2\u00A0efficient\u00C2\u00A0way\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0occupying\u00C2\u00A0space,\u00E2\u0080\u009D\u00C2\u00A0he\u00C2\u00A0said,holding\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0piece\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0wasps\u00E2\u0080\u0099\u00C2\u00A0nest\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0display\u00C2\u00A0its\u00C2\u00A0dense\u00C2\u00A0grid\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0hexagonal\u00C2\u00A0chambers.\u00C2\u00A0\u00E2\u0080\u009CIt\u00E2\u0080\u0099s\u00C2\u00A0scalable,\u00C2\u00A0it\u00C2\u00A0can\u00C2\u00A0go\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0anydirection,\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0it\u00E2\u0080\u0099s\u00C2\u00A0extremely\u00C2\u00A0spatially\u00C2\u00A0efficient.\u00E2\u0080\u009DEmail(http://news.ubc.ca/2016/04/19/mushrooms-hold-potential-for-sustainable-building-materials/?share=email&nb=1)\u00EF\u0090\u0090252SharePutting\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0hole\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0centre\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0each\u00C2\u00A0block\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0mycelium\u00C2\u00A0biocomposite\u00C2\u00A0not\u00C2\u00A0only\u00C2\u00A0allowed\u00C2\u00A0Dahmen\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0grow\u00C2\u00A0largerobjects,\u00C2\u00A0it\u00C2\u00A0also\u00C2\u00A0provides\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0place\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0benches\u00C2\u00A0for\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0mushroom\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0fruit.\u00C2\u00A0\u00E2\u0080\u009CThat\u00C2\u00A0way,\u00C2\u00A0it\u00E2\u0080\u0099s\u00C2\u00A0contained,\u00C2\u00A0so\u00C2\u00A0people\u00C2\u00A0cansee\u00C2\u00A0it\u00C2\u00A0but\u00C2\u00A0they\u00C2\u00A0won\u00E2\u0080\u0099t\u00C2\u00A0worry\u00C2\u00A0about\u00C2\u00A0getting\u00C2\u00A0it\u00C2\u00A0on\u00C2\u00A0their\u00C2\u00A0clothes\u00C2\u00A0when\u00C2\u00A0they\u00C2\u00A0sit\u00C2\u00A0down,\u00E2\u0080\u009D\u00C2\u00A0he\u00C2\u00A0notes.\u00C2\u00A0The\u00C2\u00A0fact\u00C2\u00A0that\u00C2\u00A0oystermushroom\u00C2\u00A0fruit\u00C2\u00A0are\u00C2\u00A0\u00E2\u0080\u009Cdelicious\u00E2\u0080\u009D,\u00C2\u00A0said\u00C2\u00A0Dahmen,\u00C2\u00A0was\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0consolation\u00C2\u00A0whenever\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0growing\u00C2\u00A0process\u00C2\u00A0went\u00C2\u00A0awry.Perhaps\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0greatest\u00C2\u00A0potential\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0mycelium\u00C2\u00A0biocomposites\u00C2\u00A0is\u00C2\u00A0as\u00C2\u00A0an\u00C2\u00A0alternative\u00C2\u00A0insulation\u00C2\u00A0material\u00C2\u00A0for\u00C2\u00A0buildings.\u00E2\u0080\u009CTheir\u00C2\u00A0biggest\u00C2\u00A0application\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0long\u00C2\u00A0run\u00C2\u00A0is\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0architecture\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0construction,\u00E2\u0080\u009D\u00C2\u00A0said\u00C2\u00A0Dahmen.\u00C2\u00A0\u00E2\u0080\u009CThe\u00C2\u00A0average\u00C2\u00A0age\u00C2\u00A0ofcommercial\u00C2\u00A0buildings\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0North\u00C2\u00A0America\u00C2\u00A0is\u00C2\u00A0under\u00C2\u00A040\u00C2\u00A0years.\u00C2\u00A0If\u00C2\u00A0we\u00C2\u00A0could\u00C2\u00A0imagine\u00C2\u00A0construction\u00C2\u00A0materials\u00C2\u00A0that\u00C2\u00A0addpositive\u00C2\u00A0value\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0ecosystems\u00C2\u00A0as\u00C2\u00A0they\u00C2\u00A0break\u00C2\u00A0down,\u00C2\u00A0we\u00C2\u00A0have\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0whole\u00C2\u00A0new\u00C2\u00A0paradigm\u00C2\u00A0for\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0way\u00C2\u00A0we\u00C2\u00A0approachbuildings,\u00C2\u00A0at\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0time\u00C2\u00A0when\u00C2\u00A0we\u00E2\u0080\u0099re\u00C2\u00A0demolishing\u00C2\u00A0most\u00C2\u00A0buildings\u00C2\u00A0long\u00C2\u00A0before\u00C2\u00A0they\u00C2\u00A0wear\u00C2\u00A0out.\u00E2\u0080\u009DDahmen\u00C2\u00A0also\u00C2\u00A0foresees\u00C2\u00A0mycelium\u00C2\u00A0biocomposites\u00C2\u00A0as\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0replacement\u00C2\u00A0for\u00C2\u00A0many\u00C2\u00A0other\u00C2\u00A0roles\u00C2\u00A0played\u00C2\u00A0by\u00C2\u00A0polystyrene,\u00C2\u00A0frompackaging\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0building\u00C2\u00A0insulation.\u00C2\u00A0\u00E2\u0080\u009CStyrofoam\u00C2\u00A0is\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0material\u00C2\u00A0that\u00C2\u00A0functions\u00C2\u00A0for\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0short\u00C2\u00A0amount\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0time\u00C2\u00A0as\u00C2\u00A0packaging,and\u00C2\u00A0then\u00C2\u00A0spends\u00C2\u00A0hundreds,\u00C2\u00A0if\u00C2\u00A0not\u00C2\u00A0thousands,\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0years\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0landfill,\u00E2\u0080\u009D\u00C2\u00A0he\u00C2\u00A0observed.\u00C2\u00A0Not\u00C2\u00A0only\u00C2\u00A0does\u00C2\u00A0myceliumbiocomposite\u00C2\u00A0require\u00C2\u00A0much\u00C2\u00A0less\u00C2\u00A0energy\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0create,\u00C2\u00A0it\u00C2\u00A0also\u00C2\u00A0completely\u00C2\u00A0decomposes\u00C2\u00A0when\u00C2\u00A0composted,\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0helpsbreak\u00C2\u00A0down\u00C2\u00A0other\u00C2\u00A0materials\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0waste\u00C2\u00A0stream,\u00C2\u00A0making\u00C2\u00A0them\u00C2\u00A0available\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0other\u00C2\u00A0organisms.Photo\u00C2\u00A0gallery:\u00C2\u00A0Background:\u00C2\u00A0The\u00C2\u00A0five\u00C2\u00ADstep\u00C2\u00A0bench\u00C2\u00A0creation\u00C2\u00A0process1.\u00C2\u00A0Alder\u00C2\u00A0sawdust\u00C2\u00A0was\u00C2\u00A0sterilized,\u00C2\u00A0blended\u00C2\u00A0with\u00C2\u00A0nutrients,\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0inoculated\u00C2\u00A0with\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0spores\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0Pleurotus\u00C2\u00A0ostreatus(oyster\u00C2\u00A0mushroom)\u00C2\u00A0at\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0local\u00C2\u00A0mushroom\u00C2\u00A0farm.2.\u00C2\u00A0The\u00C2\u00A0mycelium\u00C2\u00A0(mushroom\u00C2\u00A0roots)\u00C2\u00A0were\u00C2\u00A0left\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0grow\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0sawdust\u00C2\u00A0for\u00C2\u00A0two\u00C2\u00A0weeks\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0then\u00C2\u00A0transferred\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0agreenhouse\u00C2\u00A0at\u00C2\u00A0UBC3.\u00C2\u00A0The\u00C2\u00A0sawdust\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0mycelium\u00C2\u00A0mix\u00C2\u00A0was\u00C2\u00A0shredded\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0a\u00C2\u00A0wood\u00C2\u00A0chipper,\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0then\u00C2\u00A0packed\u00C2\u00A0into\u00C2\u00A0moulds.4.\u00C2\u00A0After\u00C2\u00A0five\u00C2\u00A0days,\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0moulds\u00C2\u00A0were\u00C2\u00A0removed\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0blocks\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0mycelium\u00C2\u00A0biocomposite\u00C2\u00A0were\u00C2\u00A0wrapped\u00C2\u00A0in\u00C2\u00A0Saranwrap\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0encourage\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0growth\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0chitin\u00C2\u00A0(a\u00C2\u00A0strong\u00C2\u00A0polysaccharide\u00C2\u00A0similar\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0lobster\u00C2\u00A0shells)\u00C2\u00A0on\u00C2\u00A0their\u00C2\u00A0exterior.5.\u00C2\u00A0After\u00C2\u00A0drying,\u00C2\u00A0the\u00C2\u00A0blocks\u00C2\u00A0were\u00C2\u00A0ready\u00C2\u00A0to\u00C2\u00A0be\u00C2\u00A0assembled\u00C2\u00A0into\u00C2\u00A0benches,\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0covered\u00C2\u00A0with\u00C2\u00A0clear\u00C2\u00A0acrylic.UBC\u00E2\u0080\u0099s\u00C2\u00A0SEEDS\u00C2\u00A0sustainability\u00C2\u00A0program \u00C2\u00A0(https://sustain.ubc.ca/courses\u00C2\u00ADteaching/seeds)\u00C2\u00A0advances\u00C2\u00A0campussustainability\u00C2\u00A0by\u00C2\u00A0creating\u00C2\u00A0partnerships\u00C2\u00A0between\u00C2\u00A0students,\u00C2\u00A0faculty\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0staff\u00C2\u00A0that\u00C2\u00A0deliver\u00C2\u00A0innovative\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0impactfulresearch\u00C2\u00A0projects.Find\u00C2\u00A0other\u00C2\u00A0stories\u00C2\u00A0about:\u00C2\u00A0Amber\u00C2\u00A0Frid\u00C2\u00ADJimenez \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/tag/amber\u00C2\u00ADfrid\u00C2\u00ADjimenez/)\u00C2\u00A0,\u00C2\u00A0Joe\u00C2\u00A0Dahmen(http://news.ubc.ca/tag/joe\u00C2\u00ADdahmen/)\u00C2\u00A0,\u00C2\u00A0Mushrooms \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/tag/mushrooms/)\u00C2\u00A0,\u00C2\u00A0Pleurotus\u00C2\u00A0ostreatus(http://news.ubc.ca/tag/pleurotus\u00C2\u00ADostreatus/)\u00C2\u00A0,\u00C2\u00A0Sustainable\u00C2\u00A0building\u00C2\u00A0materials \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/tag/sustainable\u00C2\u00ADbuilding\u00C2\u00ADmaterials/)\u00C2\u00A0,\u00C2\u00A0UBC\u00C2\u00A0Bookstore \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/tag/ubc\u00C2\u00ADbookstore/)\u00C2\u00A0,\u00C2\u00A0UBC\u00C2\u00A0School\u00C2\u00A0of\u00C2\u00A0Architecture\u00C2\u00A0andLandscape\u00C2\u00A0Architecture \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/tag/ubc\u00C2\u00ADschool\u00C2\u00ADof\u00C2\u00ADarchitecture\u00C2\u00ADand\u00C2\u00ADlandscape\u00C2\u00ADarchitecture/)\u00C2\u00A0,\u00C2\u00A0UBCSEEDS\u00C2\u00A0sustainability\u00C2\u00A0program \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/tag/ubc\u00C2\u00ADseeds\u00C2\u00ADsustainability\u00C2\u00ADprogram/)ContactLou\u00C2\u00A0Corpuz\u00C2\u00ADBosshart\u00C2\u00A0UBC\u00C2\u00A0Public\u00C2\u00A0Affairs\u00C2\u00A0Tel:\u00C2\u00A0604.822.2048\u00C2\u00A0Cell:\u00C2\u00A0604.999.0473\u00C2\u00A0lou.bosshart@ubc.ca \u00C2\u00A0(mailto:lou.bosshart@ubc.ca)Media\u00C2\u00A0ResourcesMedia\u00C2\u00A0Contacts \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/media\u00C2\u00ADcontacts/)Experts\u00C2\u00A0Directory \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/ubc\u00C2\u00ADexperts/)Digital\u00C2\u00A0Subscriptions \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/media\u00C2\u00ADresources/e\u00C2\u00ADservices/)UBC\u00C2\u00A0Map \u00C2\u00A0(http://maps.ubc.ca)UBC\u00C2\u00A0Photos \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/media\u00C2\u00ADresources/ubc\u00C2\u00ADphotos/)UBC\u00C2\u00A0Facts\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0Figures \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/media\u00C2\u00ADresources/ubc\u00C2\u00ADfacts\u00C2\u00ADand\u00C2\u00ADfigures/)TV\u00C2\u00A0and\u00C2\u00A0Radio\u00C2\u00A0Studios \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/media\u00C2\u00ADresources/tv\u00C2\u00ADand\u00C2\u00ADradio\u00C2\u00ADstudios/)UBC's\u00C2\u00A0Okanagan\u00C2\u00A0Campus\u00C2\u00A0Newsroom \u00C2\u00A0(http://news.ubc.ca/ubc\u00C2\u00ADokanagan\u00C2\u00ADnews\u00C2\u00ADroom/)UBC Bookstorescale 1 : 2000 1 5 10 mExpanded Polystyrene00.0250.0500.0750.1000.1250.1500.1750.2000 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25AVERAGESTRESS (Mpa)STRAIN (%)Expanded PolystyreneSTRAIN (%)STRESS (Mpa)00.0250.0500.0750.1000.1250.1500.1750.2000.2250.2500 0.025 0.050 0.075 0.100 0.125 0.150AVERAGEUnconfined Compression Test 01Unconfined Compression Test 02MUSHROOM MOULDING PARTYan afternoon of mushroom moulding, getting a first hand look at research at ubc sala that grows fully biodegradable furniture by combining cellulosic wood waste and mycelium1-4PM ubc plant operations nursery 6029 nurseries road v6t 1w5 from sw marine drive turn north onto wesbrook mall. nurseries rd is the first right. ubc nursery is on the left. 200m before environmental services facility at the end of the road. or take 41 from the busloop and get off at Triumfcentre and walk 300mbrought to you by ams, seeds, and ubc centennial initiativeevent:location:"@en . "Report"@en . "10.14288/1.0343116"@en . "eng"@en . "Unreviewed"@en . "Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library"@en . "Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International"@* . "http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/"@* . "Graduate"@en . "UBC Social Ecological Economic Development Studies (SEEDS) Student Report"@en . "University of British Columbia. VOL 500"@en . "Mushroom Furniture"@en . "Text"@en . "http://hdl.handle.net/2429/60838"@en .