Henning Larsen has unveiled ‘Growing Matter(s)’ at Milan Design Week, a pavilion created in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano. This innovative structure utilizes mycelium, the nutrient-absorbing network of fungi, serves as the building material to create a dynamic and evolving space. The 24m² structure, composed of 80 mycelium spheres, was naturally grown. Unlike traditional materials such as concrete and steel, it transforms based on environmental conditions, showcasing unique textures and forms.
‘Growing Matter(s)’ proposes a new architectural aesthetic that embraces variation, decay, and transformation. The spheres were created through a two-step process. First, organic substrates such as hemp, flour, sugar, and beer dregs were cultivated to provide an ideal environment for the mycelium to grow. Then, two mycelium strains, Pleurotus Eryngii and Pleurotus Ostreatus, were introduced to stimulate growth. Over several weeks, the mycelium enveloped wooden frames that served as molds. Some spheres were dried to maintain structural stability, while others were left alive to continue evolving naturally. These organic, non-uniform structures demonstrate dynamism and organic transformation.
The pavilion adheres to the principles of circular design. All components are biodegradable, and the scaffolding and structural elements can be disassembled and reused for other projects. This project reflects Henning Larsen’s ongoing exploration of alternative building materials such as mycelium, emphasizing sustainability. Similar efforts were showcased in the 2023 traveling exhibition <Changing Our Footprint>. This pavilion also serves as a follow-up project to Open Detail, a bio-materials database unveiled in fall 2024 in collaboration with the Copenhagen School of Design and Technology, Ramboll, Speckle, and Chevrant. ‘Growing Matter(s)’ will be on display at Milan Design Week until April 20.
15Project: Growing Matter / Location: Milan, Italy / Typology: Culture / Design: Henning Larsen & Politecnico di Milano(Material Balance Research LAB) / Sponsor: Ramboll Foundation / Sponsor and project management: RIMOND / Mycelium production: Spore.nl / Scaffolding engineering: Di Falco srl / Size: 24m² / Completion: 2024-2025 / Photograph: ©DSL studio (courtesy of the architect), ©Zoey Kroening (courtesy of the architect), ©Studio Laura Elise (courtesy of the architect), ©Henning Larsen (courtesy of the architect), ©Politecnico di Milano (courtesy of the architect)
