MYCELIUM PRINTING

AUTOMATION DIGITAL FABRICATION USING ROBOT MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES 

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Rhizomatic is part of the research about future possibilities in 3D printing material with robots (Kuka machine). In this project, we tested the mycelium of the mushroom as a natural resource for the architectural fields. Mycelium was tested as a construction element like an air cleaner and even as a metal re-builder. Throughout hundreds of tests, I reached the best and most accurate characterization of the mycelium as a future printed material. As seen in the result, the geometry is as unique as the characterization itself. The project explores the fundamental facts of nature’s life-sustaining systems in a broad context. Integral dynamics of ecological systems are explored through in-depth practical applications regarding biology, complexity, and design.

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​The goal of this project was to test the ability to 3D print mycelium as a natural material in order to develop new structural and environmental façades in the Torre Barro district of Barcelona. Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus or fungus-like bacterial colonies, consisting of masses of branching, thread-like hyphae. It provides many advantages for the built environment and has a lot of potential as a building material. In order to achieve this goal, I wanted to test and check different material combinations to get the proper blend. The next step was to test the different blends as a 3D print material, using the KUKA robot. The KUKA tests were a crucial part of the project as the material must be soft but also have strength as a self-sustaining construction material. Different techniques were used: spraying, adding, and pouring, but the one that I finally chose was 3D printing. The final step was to find the optimal facade on which to 3D print the mycelium. After making canalizations and different environment analysis tools, I found the optimal facade that can be printed and sprayed upon, focusing on integration among highly complex components