Composite Bioforms

BACKGROUND Composite Bioforms explores the robotic infusion of mycelium into a series of 3D printed biodegradable proto-architectural structures. The project is part of a larger body of research that employs robotic fabrication of polymer composites and algorithmic design processes, which draw from the logic of swarm intelligence to construct prototypical architectural elements. Specifically, the project developed processes to integrate mycelium within large-scale 3D printed polymer surfaces. CONTRIBUTION The project contributes new research to the fields of architectural design, digital fabrication, and biodegradable architecture. Composite Bioforms posits a pioneering integration of composite fibre reinforcement and mycelium cores for large-scale 3D printed polymer surface structures. The project demonstrates potentials of 3D printing to integrate structural conduits within thin skins of composite biodegradable wall systems. In particular this project explores the surface textures and patterns of reinforcement developed in response to structural imperatives and the growth logic of mycelium. The project contributes to addressing the carbon emissions of architecture through an exploration of architectural applications of recycled plastics and wood-plastic composites. SIGNIFICANCE The significance of this research is in the creation of a new tectonic approach for biodegradable architecture that draws on the capacity of large-scale 3D printing to create intricate and bespoke surface geometry. Composite Bioforms demonstrates a viable architectural application of mycelium and explores its design potential. After the initial exhibition at the NGV Melbourne Design Week, the project was subsequently exhibited as part of the Venice Architecture Biennale (2021, curated by Alessandro Melis) in the CityX Venice exhibition (curated by Tom Kovac). The project is being published in a forthcoming book, Climate Imaginary, published by Actar, 2022.