In the contemporary landscape of product design, the urgency to adopt sustainable practices has never been more pronounced. The environmental toll of traditional materials, particularly those derived from petroleum, demands a transformative shift towards greener alternatives. This report delves into an innovative approach, highlighting the potential of mycelium as a cornerstone for sustainable design. This Mycelium Design Report is the culmination of a collaborative effort undertaken during the Smart Solutions Semester at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. Our project team, comprising Diego Leidi, Martina Gea Solà, Nathnael Derese, Kristína Fantúrová, Imke Hendriks, Kevin Veldkamp, Francesc Sandalinas, and Carla Grijalva, has worked meticulously under the guidance of tutor Clemens Kienhuis and client Marcel Ellen. Our mission was to explore, design, and prototype a household lamp utilizing mycelium—a bio-based, biodegradable material that promises significant ecological benefits. The journey documented within these pages began with a thorough examination of mycelium's properties and its potential applications. Our research extended beyond the material itself, incorporating a comprehensive analysis of wood, hemp, and various coating materials to enhance the durability and functionality of our product. The iterative design process, grounded in methodologies like Design Thinking and the V-Model, facilitated the development of a lamp that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally sustainable and functionally robust. Our approach was both holistic and detailed, encompassing everything from material research and experiments to the final design and prototyping phases. We aimed to create a product that not only meets contemporary consumer demands for convenience and portability but also aligns with the broader goal of reducing the environmental footprint of everyday items. The mycelium-based lamp, as presented in this report, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovative thinking is applied to sustainable design. This report is intended for stakeholders in the fields of sustainable design, material science, and product development. It provides a comprehensive account of our methodologies, findings, and design decisions, offering valuable insights for future endeavors in bio-based product innovation. We hope that our work will inspire further research and application of mycelium in various industries, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. We extend our deepest gratitude to Saxion University of Applied Sciences for their support, our tutor and clients for their invaluable guidance, and all partners involved in this project. Together, we have taken a significant step towards redefining sustainable product design.

Treball desenvolupat en el marc del programa "European Project Semester".

Outgoing