Arvin Shih

Materials: Mycelium
Ingredients: Coffee grounds, grains, etc
Processes: Fermentation, boiling, etc.
Tools: Molds, plastic wrap, etc.
Timeline: 2 months

Mycelium grows into the form of its food. This experiment was about testing what ingredients as the food for mycelium that could hold and strengthen the shape of a dome. Coffee grounds and rice brans were the testing ingredients. According to the experiment, both elements allowed the mycelium to hold the form of a 23 inches dome. But the domes were so fragile and crispy that they would collapse in a tiny shear force. Presumably, the thickness of the food layer and the mold’s one-sided ventilation limited the growth of mycelium. The mushrooms on the surface of the domes were accidental and beautiful surprises.

Rice brans

Coffee grounds