how can biodiversity be harnessed to incorporate color into the design and manufacture of fungal biomaterials?

Chromatic expressions in bio fabrication is an ongoing project in which we explore how biodiversity can be harnessed to incorporate color into the design and manufacture of fungal biomaterials. Our experiments focus on the color variables that are intrinsic to the organism and how they can be adjusted by modifying the growing conditions and the substrate. And also on the color variables that can be acquired by staining the "white" mycelium with natural pigments. In this first iteration, we created a sample book that highlights the new aesthetic and sensory possibilities of fungal biomaterials. We believe that this project could help introduce biomaterials to a wider audience, making it more attractive and promoting the design and use of these materials in everyday objects.

TEAM: Heidi Jalkh, Leonardo Majul, Marina Christe, Lara Fernandez Vallone, Eva Maldonado, Josefina Tarquini, Natalia Ruiz, Esteban Emilio Plazibat , Julieta Mallerman, Ana Maria Celeda, Sofia Aristizabal, Agustina Ruiz, Raul Itria

Sistemas Materiales Group

Material systems, is an interdisciplinary experimental research group, based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We weave intersections between science and design in order to explore new strategies and disruptive processes in search of unconventional alternatives of materials and manufacturing processes. Taking materiality as the starting point of the design process, we seek to integrate high and low technology materials and processes. We develop and design bio-inspired and responsive materials and we even use* living organisms as producers of materiality and constructors of spatiality. With these intersections and collaborations between scientific and project disciplines, we are oriented towards a new paradigm, a biological, organic and generative approach to design.

Instagram: @SistemasMateriales

web: heidijalkh.com

*revised after biosummit 4.0 - “reflecting on the state of the organism”