Mycelium Infrastructures for Impermanent Futures

Abstract

This thesis will use adaptive reuse of an existing industrial agricultural site in an urban setting to activate a new life and a sustainable future to a structure that would otherwise go unused or be demolished. To aid in the reuse of the site this project will demonstrate the use of mycelium-based biocomposite materials made from the root structure of mushrooms; a material that is part of the biological closed-loop cycle and results in minimal waste. This project seeks to envision how the intersection of manufacturing of an impermanent, biodegradable material and research can aid in bringing new aspects of culture and art to a post industrial neighborhood in Chicago, IL. The project will serve as a place to showcase the potential of the materials current and future architectural applications throughout the space in the different functions of the program. As a result, an existing structure becomes a contemporary demonstration of how using natural building materials and technology can aid in creating a sustainable future.