Activity

Suggested readings:

• Valentina Rognoli, Bruna Petreca, Barbara Pollini & Carmem Saito (2022) Materials biography as a tool for designers’ exploration of bio-based and bio-fabricated materials for the sustainable fashion industry, Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 18:1, 749-772, Materials biography as a tool for designers’ exploration of bio-based and bio-fabricated materials for the sustainable fashion industry
• Camere, S., & Karana, E. (2018). Fabricating materials from living organisms: An emerging design practice. Journal of Cleaner Production, 186, 570-584. Fabricating materials from living organisms: An emerging design practice.
• Karana, E., Blauwhoff, D., Hultink, E. -J., & Camere, S. (2018). When the material grows: A case study on designing (with) mycelium-based materials. International Journal of Design, 12(2), 119-136. When the material grows: A case study on designing (with) mycelium-based materials.
• Pollini, B., Contardo, T., Paciotti, D., & Rognoli, V. (2023). Bioreceptive interfaces for biophilic urban resilience. In K. Vaes & J. Verlinden (Eds.), Connectivity and creativity in times of conflict. Academia Press. Chapter Bioreceptive interfaces for biophilic urban resilience

Visit websites:

• Home Mogu - mogu
• Healing Materialities Design - home
• Maurizio Montalti: creo nuovi materiali grazie ai funghi

Suggested Activity:

Explore the fascinating world of biofabrication by researching mycelium or bacterial cellulose! The internet is full of innovative DIY recipes and step-by-step guides that demonstrate how to grow and create materials with these amazing organisms. Your task is to collect information, recipes, and instructions on biofabricating with mycelium or bacterial cellulose.

Important Caution: Biofabricating with living organisms must be approached with great care! Handling bacteria and microorganisms requires careful practices to avoid contamination of your materials, the environment, or yourself. We recommend gathering information and, if you feel inspired to experiment, consider participating in a workshop or course where experts can guide you safely step-by-step.

Feel free to share the information and resources you collect with us! We’d love to see any insights you gain. If you do eventually participate in a guided workshop, share your experience by tagging our Instagram account @materialsfortransition_polimi and use the hashtags #mooc #polimi #materialsdesignfortransition. The best insights and resources will be featured on our social media!

Happy exploring!