MycoAir

Project details

Programme

Year 1

MycoAir is an innovative, sustainable, and passive bio-filtration system which integrates mycelium within the economically disadvantaged area of Worli in Mumbai, India.

The project entails three main aspects. First, the analysis of the effects of industrial waste substrates, including cotton, sawdust, coffee grounds, coco coir and various weaving techniques on the rate, pattern, and stiffness of mycelium growth. Second, a systematic computational fluid dynamic (CFD) study to develop an optimised, passive filtration system morphology. Finally, a thorough evaluation of mycelium’s capacity of absorbing particles and the substrate’s capacity of maintaining a suitable humidity for mycelium growth.

This study expands on recent interest in mycelium as a viable and sustainable building material, proposing it as an air filtering component within an urban context.

Students

Design

Project Overview

MycoAir is an innovative and sustainable passive bio-filtration system which integrates mycelium, industrial waste, and an aerodynamic design study to implement a regenerative filtration system within the built environment.

The Design System

The final design system comprises three interconnected components: air filtering roofs, air filtering pathways, and air filtering canopies. The components are designed to filter polluted air through kinetic mycelium-based panels placed inside them.

The Air Filtering Roof

The Air Filtering Pathway

The Air Filtering Canopy

The canopy will be placed in the plazas of the slum of Worli. It will serve as access point to the connected pathways, roofs and will serve as gathering areas, it will both filter the polluted air and collect water in an underground water tank.

The Rainwater Collection System

This system encompasses a rainwater collection and supply infrastructure incorporating multi-tiered filtration processes to ensure the efficient capture, storage, and distribution of clean and potable water.

Section of the Design System

The interconnected components will feature within the economically disadvantaged neighbourhood of Worli, Mumbai. They aim to improve its quality of life and encourage social gathering and activities within the community, while improving air quality.

Mycelium Cultivation

Mycelium Growth on the Coco Coir Based Substrate

Mycelium Growth Close-Up

Mycelium Growth on Cotton Threads

Fabrication

Material Testing

Different substrate paste compositions were developed with selected additives to meet the specific needs of mycelium, aiming to optimise its growth and development through experimentation while also understanding the fabrication needs of the filter.