Society is entering an era where sustainability is imperative to the survival of our resources and ourselves. Disciplines like architecture need to continue developing more sustainable means of construction and material selection in terms of considering its lifecycle; reducing the amount of material used and considering materials sources and end use. This investigation researches mycelium and its use for acoustical controls and spatial partitioning. As a test bed and design premise, the project researches materials, tests, and designs portable partitions for CABE in spaces. Spaces that present acoustical and spatial flexibility challenges for the design include the upper level of A+D or Search Studios; such spaces not only require increased performance, but demand flexibility due to programmatic and curricular adaptations. The product will have a focus on reducing acoustical impacts and be designed for ease of constructability and maintenance. The course will be composed of physical modeling and testing resulting in the fabrication of a final prototype.
Material Acoustical Testing Strategy
An acoustical testing chamber was designed to test the efficacy of mycelium as an acoustical material. The test simulated tests similar to STC (sound transmission class) testing. Several samples with varying thicknesses and substrate materials were used. The results showed that the material is comparable to acoustical ceiling tiles, making it an effective and more sustainable alternative.
Mycelium Mixture Acoustical Performance
Comparative Acoustical Product Performance
Studies in Modular Acoustical Panel Assemblies
While mycelium is an efficient acoustical performer, it is a brittle material and requires inventive strategies for assembly. The growing fungal material bonds extremely well to a fabric substrate. This fabric substrate will act as a connection point for assembly. To increase the efficiency of form development, expanded polystyrene foam is used because of its similar qualities to mycelium (lightweight, brittle, and sound deafening).
