The Production Line: Cultivating Mycelium for Construction

THE PRODUCTION LINE: CULTIVATING MYCELIUM FOR CONSTRUCTION Euan Campbell | Alexandra Adams

Alexandra Adams Euan Campbell Design Studio 01 - Ecology

The University of Strathclyde Architecture School, Glasgow PG Diploma Advanced Architectural Design

i : Manifesto Manifesto

This thesis aims to address the issue of construction and demolition waste by replacing the manufacturing process of carbon rich construction materials with a zero negative, circular alternative.

By creating a new industrial ecosystem consisting of Mycelium hyphae, local organic waste is processed and digested, creating new construction materials as a result.

Within a year 2045 context, an abundance of recovered coffee waste from the West End of Glasgow will be used as an organic fuel which the Mycelium absorbs as it grows. As the multi-cellular organisms develop, the Mycelium acts as a natural glue, binding the material into new construction materials. The research process will analyse and evaluate the feasibility of this new construction process within a circular economy.

The advantage of using Mycelium over conventional construction materials is that it consumes organic waste without relying on new resources to be extracted from the earth. These extensively used virgin materials require secondary processing and manufacturing, releasing Carbon Dioxide and various toxic pollutants into the Biosphere.

As a result, global temperatures are steadily rising with a serious knock-on effect for ecosystems across the planet.

IPCC scientists predict that current levels of carbon pollution are set to take global warming within touching distance of a +2.0 degrees Celsius rise which would create devastating and irreparable repercussions for our planet (Watts, 2018). The construction industry has become stuck within a linear economy of take, use, construct and dispose

of raw materials, contributing destructive levels of CO² towards Climate Change.

This thesis will justify a new model for sustainable development of construction systems by merging them within an agriculturally based cycle where waste can be consumed naturally. Cultivation of Mycelium will be the basis of the industrial process which satellite systems will plug into, ensuring waste products are recycled and utilised as valued material inputs.

The research response aims to complement the natural processes, allowing the local ecosystem to thrive without impacting its future existence. It will view the environmental impacts of Climate Change in a positive light, aiming to make the best of a negative environmental outcome. Concluding the future impacts of Climate Change on Glasgow, the architectural solution will look to create a sustainable industrial production line within a severely stretched urban context. A zero-carbon industrial approach which re-assesses the value of local waste as a raw material, will engage the community in a way that prevents any further environmental destruction, whilst sustaining a local economy. The Mycelium construction materials will be distributed from the central hub so that at the end of the building’s useful life, the materials will feed back into an ecosystem local to the building’s site, continuing the spread of this zero-carbon material. This will redefine Glasgow’s attitude to waste for a future generation who will inevitably judge their predecessors for not acting sooner.

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my·​ce·​li·​um | \ mī-ˈsē-lē-əm \ : the mass of interwoven filamentous hyphae that forms especially the vegetative portion of the thallus of a fungus and is often submerged in another body (as of soil or organic matter or the tissues of a host) 4

ii : Introduction The Waste Problem

In a current climate where a linear approach to resource exploitation, processing and disposal of construction materials is contributing extensively to Carbon Dioxide emissions, architects must use their position as innovative problem solvers to oversee a transition towards a healthier built environment.

Research is being conducted assessing the viability of biomimetic materials which are responsibly sourced, don’t release harmful manmade toxins or VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and decompose through natural means when the building is demolished or repurposed.

A key factor in this research is the building material’s origins from a replenishable, circular source.

Mycelium grows underground in the form of a multicellular organism which eventually sprouts above ground, producing mushrooms. The fungi grow, consuming organic and synthetic waste to fuel the expansion of the organism. It is the fungi’s ability to consume waste which is of most interest to designers as this could replace the need to use materials which have a more limited natural resource and destructive environmental lifecycle. This thesis intends to explore

the potential capabilities of Mycelium within a circular economy where the waste from a local process is the catalyst for the next stage in the cycle of producing food, energy and materials to sustain a comfortable way of life after a futuristic, post-environmental disaster.

Scientists predict that current levels of carbon pollution are set to take global warming within touching distance of a +2.0 degrees Celsius rise which would create devastating and irreparable repercussions for our biosphere. One of the major contributors within the construction industry today to global warming is the irresponsible consumption of raw materials as well as the wasteful disposal of them once the building has become obsolete. The construction industry - as well as many other industries - has become stuck within a linear economy of take, use, construct and dispose of materials. Our research will look to develop a new model for sustainable development of construction systems by merging them within an agriculturally based cycle where waste can be consumed naturally.

Responsible cultivation of Mycelium has the potential to address many of the questions we find ourselves asking regarding municipal and construction waste.

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Declaration

AB 964 Design Studies 5A 2019/20 MArch/PG Dip Advanced Architectural Design (AAD) MArch Architectural Design International

Declaration

“I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and has been composed by myself. It contains no unacknowledged text and has not been submitted in any previous context. All quotations have been distinguished by quotation marks and all sources of information, text, illustration, tables, images etc. have been specifically acknowledged.

I accept that if having this declaration my work should be found at examination to show evidence of academic dishonesty the work will fail and I will be liable to face the University Senate Discipline Committee.�

Names: Reg Number:

Euan Andrew Campbell 201965496

Signed:

Date: 19th November 2019

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Alexandra Jenny Adams 201977636

iii : Plan of Work Routes of Research

01 : Research

02 : Processes

03 : Concept

The main objective of addressing construction waste was fuelled from a joint interest in environmental issues and the impact that human life has on the planet.

Combined with this was our experience and awareness of the construction industry’s contribution to Climate Change through shared experiences in practice. Agreeing that there was an opportunity to develop a thesis that realigned the construction industry’s way of thinking when it came to waste and embodied energy was the catalyst for this research.

Our research surrounding Mycelium and mushroom growth stems from the research carried out during an undergraduate dissertation. This initial base of knowledge sparked an interest for where Mycelium could be developed further within architecture.

As a result, further research was conducted into various threads that the Mycelium development could take. The research process will evolve from a combination of material experiments using different methods, as well as extensive research into case studies of Mycelium development projects and research development within the construction industry. In order to grow the Mycelium, we will experiment with numerous different strategies. These will include growing Mycelium from spores using a range of substrates such as straw, hemp, sawdust and even a paperback book.

Experimenting with the various types of organic waste as the food for the Mycelium to grow from will allow us to understand first-hand the conditions and processes involved in Mycelium growth.

The project’s final design solution will incorporate all the underlying research which has gone into the project to date. Our ambition will be to allow the design to follow the form which the processes of growing and cultivation take. By carrying out in-depth research into the fundamental principles of successful growth, the project will ensure the cultivated products are grown within the optimum conditions. The design brief will focus on a fluidity of processes from space to space, allowing for the circular nature of the ‘manmade ecosystem’ to mimic its natural precedent.

Environmental causes and effects

Research into the causes and effects of construction waste will be primarily carried out through analysis of literature evidence.

UK Government agencies’ recording and monitoring of the industry’s activity will set out a platform for an analysis of the key issues to be evaluated.

Mycelium experimentation and growth

Architectural conclusions

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Contents Page

Description

3 Manifesto 5 Introduction 7 Plan of Work 9 Contents 12 Abstract 16 01: Construction Waste 19 1.1 Construction Waste 21 1.2 Current Waste Trends 23 1.3 Construction Waste Management 24 1.4 Brighton Waste House 25 1.5 Glasgow Queen Street Station 26 1.6 Building From Waste 27 1.7 Chapter Summary 28 02: Environmental Impact

30 2.1 Glasgow 2045 32 2.2 Rainfall, Flooding & Rising Temperatures 36 2.3 Government Incentives 37 2.4 Clean Industry and Industrial Decarbonisation 37 2.5 Chapter Summary 38 03: Mycelium 40 3.1 Introduction to Mycelium 42 3.2 Growth Process Analysis 43 3.3 Material Properties 44 3.4 Hy-Fi 46 3.5 Ecovative 47 3.6 Mycelium in Scotland 48 3.7 Commercial Farming Scales 51 3.8 Mushroom Cultivation Analysis 52 3.9 Urban Farming 54 3.10 Waste Digestion Analysis 56 3.11 Beer & Coffee Waste 58 3.12 Chapter Summary

60 04: Conclusions 63 4.1 Closing the Loop 64 4.2 Material Experimentation 1 66 4.3 Material Experimentation 2 68 4.4 Material Experimentation 3 72 4.5 Growing Underground 74 4.6 Subterranean Networks in Glasgow 77 4.7 Botanic Gardens and Kelvinbridge Railway Stations 79 4.8 : Glasgow’s Botanical Gardens 80 4.9 : Architectural Response 81 4.10 : Site Adjacencies 83 4.11 : Site Appraisal 85 4.12 : Tunnels and Towers 89 4.13 : The Production Line 90 References

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List of Figures References Figure

Page Description and Source

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

11 Mushroom Man (Author) 14,15 Glasgow 2045 Collages (Author) 18 Total UK Construction Waste (ONS by Author) 19 Construction Industry Output (ONS by Author) 19 UK Trade Deficit of Construction Materials (ONS by Author) 20,21 Scottish Waste Management Trends (SEPA by Author) 22 Carbon Output Statistics for Construction (UKGBC by Author) 22 Comparison of Glasgow and UK Industry Waste (SEPA by Author) 22 Scottish Landfill Locations (SEPA by Author) 24 Brighton Waste House Infographic (Author) 24 Brighton Waste House Window (University of Brighton) 25 Queen Street Station Demolition Infographic (Author) 25 Queen Street Station Demolition Photo (Network Rail) 26 Seaweed Insulation (Building from Waste - Book) 26 Agricultural Waste Panels (Building from Waste - Book) 26 NewsPaper Wood (Building from Waste - Book) 26 Mycotecture (Building from Waste - Book) 27 Mushroom Bricks (Building from Waste - Book) 27 Mycoform (Building from Waste - Book) 30 George Square 2045 (Author) 31 Polluted Water Sources 2045 (Author) 31 Rising Sea Levels 2045 (Author) 31 Rising Temperatures 2045 (Author) 31 Acidic Soil Conditions 2045 (Author) 32 Rising Sea Levels Glasgow (choices.climatecentral.org by Author) 33 Rising Sea Levels Glasgow 2 (choices.climatecentral.org by Author) 34 Air Temp Scotland 2030 -2058 at RCP2.6 (Met Office by Author) 35 Air Temp Scotland 2030 -2058 at RCP8.5 (Met Office by Author) 36 Decarbonisation Required (BEIS by Author) 36 Greenhouse Gas Emissions (NAEI by Author) 37 Global Markets in Clean Energy (by Author) 37 Trends in UK sectoral Greenhouse Gas emissions (BEIS by Author) 40/41 Mycelium Structure 1 (bbc.com) 41 Mycelium Structure 2 (mycterials.com) 41 Mycelium Structure 3 (study.com) 42 Conditions for growth (leckfordestate.co.uk) 42 Composting and Pasteurising (Monaghan Mushrooms) 42 Spawning (microscopemaster.com) 42 Mycelium (materialdistrict.com) 42 Mushrooms (leckfordestate.co.uk) 43 Material Properties (Author) 44 Hy-Fi 1(dezeen.com)

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43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85

44 Hy-Fi 2 (dezeen.com) 45 Hy-Fi 3 (Author) 46 Ecovative Packaging (ecovative.com) 46 Ecovative Planter (ecovative.com) 47 Mushroom Map (Author) 48 Fit for Fungus (Author) 48 Mushrooms Scotland (Author) 49 Monaghan Mushrooms (Author) 50 Isometric Typology Models (Author) 51 Isometric Building Options (Author) 53 Map of Glasgow (Google Maps by Author) 54 Black Mushroom Plate (demiart.ru) 55 Collage of Coffee Processes (Author) 56 Beer and Coffee Mushrooms (vice.com) 56 Beer and Coffee Tubs (vice.com) 57 Beer and Coffee Isometric (Author) 59 Process Diagram (Author) 62 Linear Economy Diagram (Author) 62 Circular Economy Diagram (Author) 63 Closed Loop Diagram (Author) 64 Material Cross-Section (Author) 65 Plaster Moulds (Author) 66 Material Unboxing (Author) 67 Daily Growth Photographs (Author) 67 Temperature Growth Sketches (British Mycological Society by Author) 68 Book Growth Photographs (Author) 69 Book Growth Process (Author) 70 Mycelium Brick Photographs (Author) 72 Growing Underground 1 (growing-underground.com) 72 Growing Underground 2 (growing-underground.com) 73 Underground Sections (Author) 74 Opening of Glasgow Subway (SPT) 74 Construction of St Enoch Subway Station (SPT) 74 Glasgow Green Railway Station (railscot.com 75 Map of Glasgow Trainline and Subway (Google Maps by Author) 76/77 Past and Present Images of Railway Station (Various Sources) 78/79 Past and Present Images of Glasgow Botanic Gardens (Various Sources) 80 Design Sketches (Author) 81 Botanic Gardens Site Map (Author) 82/83 Site Investigations (Author) 84 Site Concept Section (Author) 85 Internal Conecpt (Author) 86-89 Isometric Concept Models (Author)

This project isn’t a waste management solution but an entirely new industry.

This is about fixing the leak, not bailing out the water.

Abstract Methodology

01 : Construction Waste

02: Environmental Impact

03: Mycelium

The term ‘construction waste’ defines all disposed building material including all associated packaging which goes into the construction of a building. In 2016, over 66 million tonnes of Non-Hazardous Construction and Demolition waste was produced in the UK (DEFRA, 2019). In the same year, the industry was responsible for 61% of the UK’s total waste material produced (see figure 8).

With construction output on an upward trend as well as annual waste production, a direct correlation can be drawn between activity and waste production. Identifying within Scotland, poor waste trends can be associated with areas of dense population. The volume of excess municipal and construction waste saturates the system to capacity with the easiest solution being disposal in landfill.

55% of the construction industry’s CO² emissions are a result of building material production and component manufacturing (UKGBC, 2019).

Currently, materials used within construction involve a huge amount of energy, Carbon Dioxide and resources to get them to site. This abundance of CO² ­is contributing immensely to the Greenhouse Gases, steadily warming up the atmosphere.

Analysing the effects of Climate Change on Glasgow (one of Scotland’s highest contributors of landfill waste), research showed that warmer, wetter and more dramatic changes in weather and climate can be expected as a result. Concluding this analysis, a new approach to how we build and what we build with, is a key area which needs addressed. Treating waste material as a resource and not something to be discarded was the main finding.

After analysing the causes of construction waste and the effects it has on the environment, the research then looked at potential solutions. Within natural ecosystems, waste decomposes and is used as a fuel which feeds back into a circular loop. Using this precedent, it was evident that Mycelium’s nature to digest organic waste could be used as a base to address the industry’s waste habits. Investigation of projects using Mycelium as a material which locks away waste and CO² showed the potential implications of applying biomimicry to the construction industry. Identifying an abundance of local waste, we experimented with the potential for used coffee grounds to be applied to the Mycelium growth process as a substrate. Testing the theory of combining local waste and a natural organism as a construction material provided us with the potential for a new industrial process which could significantly reduce the embodied energy of the built environment.

Causes of construction waste

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Effects of waste on Climate Change

Biomimicry and technology transfer

04: Conclusions Architectural Solution

Analysing the effects that Climate Change will have on the planet, the research gave context to a design brief focused on future environmental conditions. Highlighting the relevance between Mycelium’s ability to process waste and the abundance of available waste in construction as well as day to day life, gave weight to the argument posed. Identifying the constraints, post-environmental disaster, created a set of criteria which accounted for those conditions.

Following extensive research into the various processes and conditions required to enable Mycelium growth, the clarity of those processes added value to the depth of the design response.

During the research and visualisation of what a Glasgow 2045 context will look like, it became clear that open space will likely be at a premium due to a growing population. The architectural conclusion to engage with an abandoned network of railway tunnels and stations which themselves

were being wasted in regard to their potential use had various justifications. The opportunity for environmental conditions to be tailored for Mycelium growth, as well as the opportunity to recover a disused piece of infrastructure for the purpose of a new industry were both advantages.

Identifying the inputs, processes and outputs required to create this system was a large aspect of the research, as well as the response.

Exploring Biomimicry and the methods nature uses to address resources and structure was a major driving force in the output that the response showed. Nature’s ability to structure individual cells to best suit the function of that organism influenced the conclusion. Ensuring that the architectural response mirrored the various processes which would naturally occur throughout the Biosphere ensured the impact it had on the environment was reduced.

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Waste isn’t a problem

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It’s the source of our solutions

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01: Construction Waste

Causes and effects of construction waste

17

Total UK Construction Waste Production

Figure 3

Waste:

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to be consumed, spent or employed uselessly or without giving full value or being fully utilised or appreciated

Construction Industry Output per Quarter (2015 - 2019)

UK Trade Deficit of Construction Materials 2018

Figure 4

Figure 5

1.1 : Construction Waste What is produced?

Whilst assessing the definition of waste, the key aspects which came from this research were the disregard of potential future applications of that material as well as the needless CO2 emitted during the initial processing of it. The main concern with construction waste is the loss in potential of these building components and the embodied energy of the materials that are wasted if the material isn’t used to its full value. Just because a building is tagged as obsolete, is no reason for the sum of its parts to be condemned to the ground. Waste material can be viewed as an abundant resource which prevents the need for further raw materials to be exploited from the earth.

In recent years in the UK, total volume of construction waste being produced has been on an upward trend. A slump in waste produced in 2011 to 2013 reflected a drop-in activity within the industry as a whole as opposed to an active effort to minimise waste (ONS, 2018). In comparison to the raw materials industry, our annual consumption is growing steadily also. Total imported construction materials to the UK in 2018 hit over ÂŁ18,000 million compared to only ÂŁ7,500 million worth of exports, highlighting a major trade deficit within the building materials industry (ONS, 2018). Whilst this could be attributed to limited resources and competitive prices overseas, a key conclusion from this data is that a surplus of material is coming into the country. Whilst we are capable of manufacturing these materials ourselves, they are imported from overseas before inevitably being demolished and disposed of within the UK. 19

235,625 tonnes

Non Hazardous Waste Landfill 2018 Data from SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency)

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City of Glasgow

245,318 tonnes

66,504 tonnes

Incinerated Waste 2018

City of Glasgow

Household Waste Produced 2018

City of Glasgow

1.2 : Current Waste Trends How much and where does it go?

The Scottish economy and the industries which feed into it are based upon a system of take, make and waste. We rely on sourcing virgin raw materials from the earth in order to fuel our endless need to replace our previous physical belongings. Concerningly, this behaviour is set to rise further with predicted global material consumption to rise from 90 to 167 Gigatons by 2060 with the built environment being a likely culprit (OECD, 2018).

25%

% Household Waste Recycled 2018

City of Glasgow

Figure 6

Production of waste within a linear economy has a critical impact upon the environment. Our relationship between exhausting the planet of its resources and discarding them as soon as they’re obsolete is degrading the planet. Relying upon industrial habits which do not considerately address material usage is no longer a sustainable approach to industry. The embodied energy and CO2 involved in extracting and processing construction materials has far too much of an environmental cost for it to be carelessly disposed of post demolition.

In 2018, 66.2 million tonnes of construction waste was

produced in the UK (DEFRA, 2019). With our predicted material consumption set to escalate further, this issue isn’t going to resolve itself. Analysing the total amount of Non-hazardous waste put into landfill in 2018, the Scottish regions of Falkirk and North Ayrshire came top with 537,602 tonnes and 456,627 tonnes respectively.

In comparison, Dundee came top for most Incinerated waste with 94,624 tonnes with West Lothian and Glasgow also incinerating significant amounts of waste (SEPA, 2018). From this, it was understood that whilst some waste is incinerated for the purpose of recovering energy, the primary destination for non-hazardous waste in Scotland is landfill.

When compared with Scotland’s production of household waste, the main cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow were top for total waste produced. However, of that waste produced, Glasgow was found to recycle the least percentage of its household waste in Scotland with 25% (SEPA, 2018). For the purpose of this analysis, the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland were discounted due to their proportionally lower total amount produced.

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CO² Emissions from New Builds

Household Waste Destination City of Glasgow

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Green Construction Board Embodied CO² Reduction Plan

Industry Split of UK Waste 2016

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

1.3 : Construction Waste Management Approaches to Mitigating Construction Waste It is clear at this stage of the research that construction waste has a devastating impact upon the environment.

From extraction of raw materials to processing and then construction and demolition, the CO2 emissions and pollution involved across the entire network is extensive. In 2014 alone, the embodied carbon footprint of the UK construction industry amounted to 185 Megatons of Carbon Dioxide. From this total, 55% was attributable to construction materials and processed products (UKGBC, 2019). The Green Construction Board have a plan in place to reduce the carbon footprint of the industry to 45 MtCO2 by 2050.

Combined with the fact that the construction industry is responsible for over 60% of the UK’s waste, the resulting contribution to Global Warming is significant (UKGBC, 2019).

Figure 9 highlights the current landfill sites in Scotland where construction waste can be disposed of. The map indicates the trend between areas of dense population and proximity to landfill sites. Included also are the two Hazardous waste sites where dangerous materials such as Asbestos are disposed of safely. Figure 9 highlights the density of landfill sites in the areas surrounding the City of Glasgow - supporting the argument that the city struggles to effectively recycle or responsibly handle the significant amount of waste produced regionally.

Whilst the issue of waste has an impact on our economy as well as our environment, efforts are being made to minimise the volumes being produced. Designing out waste at an early stage can make a large impact on the environmental cost as well as the efficiency of the project.

Methods of minimising construction waste include: ◻ Design buildings which can be easily adapted to avoid unnecessary and premature demolition ◻ Sharing/Hiring/Leasing of building components ◻ Prefabricated components prevent on-site waste, assembly of parts and requires no additional materials ◻ Service/Repair/Refurbish existing buildings to maintain them in use for as long as possible ◻ Design so building components can be easily separated post demolition ◻ Using BIM allows for accurate projection of material requirements ◻ Specify materials which will have a useful purpose after the lifespan of the building ◻ Specify materials which if thrown away, will compost naturally without polluting the biosphere ◻ Recycling and reusing building components and materials from a previous building in a new project ◻ Specifying recycled materials at the design stage displaces the need for virgin raw materials

If a water pipe burst in your house, you wouldn’t start bailing out water until you’d plugged the flow of water.

Whilst these methods of waste management propose different approaches to tackling construction waste, some will prove more effective than others. When compared to the metaphor above, the approach which will have the biggest preventative impact to waste will relate to materials. From this research into current construction waste trends, the aim of the research going forward will be to address the materials used within the built environment, investigating the benefits of materials that will decompose naturally, significantly reducing the impact construction waste has on the biosphere.

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SURPLUS 70SQUAREREUSED MATERIALFROMA

METERSOFPREVIOUSPROJECT

500music cassettes filled wall cavities with

videosanddvdcases

PLYWOOD(ECOHOUSE2013) 500BICYCLEINNERTUBES OLDUSEDONESTOBEUSED

FORSOUNDANDIMPACT

INSULATIONBETWEENTHE

CEILINGANDFLOORS

Figure 10

1.4 : Brighton Waste House

Case Study 01 : Zero Waste House Construction One construction project which investigated the principles of using construction and household waste was the Brighton Waste House by the University of Brighton. The project’s aim was to construct a house that proved organic, low carbon and recycled materials could compete with more common, high carbon methods of construction. Utilising pre-fabricated components and high-tech construction, the team were able to increase accuracy whilst reducing on-site waste, time and costs.

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After completion in 2015, the house was the UK’s first house constructed from entirely discarded material and as a result was awarded an EPC A rated low energy building status (Baker-Brown, 2015). The project architect, Duncan Baker-Brown approached the experimental build with the mentality of “there’s no such thing as waste, just stuff in the wrong place”. Using unused materials from other construction sites as well as commercial and domestic waste products highlighted the importance of resourcefulness and acknowledging the wealth and value that waste products possess.

Figure 11

14,000

95%

ofdemolitionand excavation material recoveredtobereused

tonnes

ofmaterialwasremoved

and repurposed in local areas Figure 12

1.5 : Glasgow Queen Street Station Case Study 02 : Construction Waste

During the demolition process of the existing elements of Queen Street Station, 95% of the demolition and excavation material was recovered with the purpose of being reused in construction (Network Rail, 2019). In total, 14,000 tonnes of material were removed from site and repurposed in various infrastructure projects in local areas. Of the non-hazardous waste removed from site (timber, concrete and brick), 100% of the material was recycled with some of the brick and concrete being crushed for groundworks on site (Network Rail, 2019). During a project of this complexity, a small amount of hazardous waste, mainly Asbestos, was required to be removed from site. This construction waste was obviously handled in a responsible way and is disposed in an approved landfill site. The carbon footprint of the project was also monitored closely, ensuring the processing of recycled materials was carried out in Glasgow, mitigating the embodied energy involved.

Figure 13 25

1.6 : Building from Waste Using waste products as resources

Seaweed Insulation Insulation Infill

Agricultural Waste Panels Insulating Panels

NewsPaper Wood Finishing Boards

Manufacturer: Ib Ungermand and Helle, Denmark Designer: Vandkunsten architects, Soren Nielsen, Denmark

Designer: Berne University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland; Univeristy of Nigeria, Amadu Bello University, Nigeria

Manufacturer and Designer: Mieke Meijer with Vij5, The Netherlands

Resource: Eradicated seaweed Type: Cultivated Size: Custom

Resource: Agricultural waste Type: Reconfigured Size: 700mm x 500mm x 5-40mm

Resource: Disgarded newspapers Type: Densified Size: max 140mm x 380mm x custom thickness

Mycotecture Insulation Bricks

Resource: Mushroom mycelium, sawdust Type: Cultivated Sizes: Custom Manufacturer and Designer: Philip Ross, MycoWorks, USA

Water Resistance

Water Resistance

Water Resistance

Water Resistance

Environmental Rating

Environmental Rating

Environmental Rating

Environmental Rating

Strength to Weight Ratio Insulative Properties Fire Rating

Overall Versatility 26

Strength to Weight Ratio Insulative Properties Fire Rating

Overall Versatility

Strength to Weight Ratio Insulative Properties Fire Rating

Overall Versatility

Strength to Weight Ratio Insulative Properties Fire Rating

Overall Versatility

1.7 : Chapter Summary

Scotland’s issue within the construction industry

Mushroom Bricks Construction Bricks

Mycoform Construction Bricks

Manufacturer and Designer: Ecovative, USA

Designer: Terreform ONE, USA

Resource: Mushroom mycelium, straw waste Type: Cultivated Size: Custom

Resource: Mushroom mycelium, paper waste and disgarded aluminium Type: Cultivated Sizes: Custom

Water Resistance

Water Resistance

Environmental Rating

Environmental Rating

Strength to Weight Ratio Insulative Properties Fire Rating

Overall Versatility

Strength to Weight Ratio Insulative Properties

Scotland as a whole struggles with recycling and utilising its construction waste. However, Glasgow specifically has the highest levels of Non-Hazardous and Inert waste (including Construction waste), whilst the surrounding areas are left with the task of dealing with this waste. As it stands, most of the waste is put into landfill in Falkirk and Ayrshire. A sustainable construction industry requires materials that can be recovered and reused, resulting in less strain on landfill, helping to tackle this issue of waste. Materials which begin to address this issue have the potential to radically reduce the waste produced as well as the embodied energy of the construction industry.

The case studies analysed lead the research to conclude that there are clear solutions to the issue surrounding the waste management of the construction industry. However, there needs to be new industries that aren’t using up resources or emitting harmful CO2 when they become waste alongside the recycling of existing material.

As it stands, there are different industrial processes in development that build from waste products. Using a rating system of desirable material qualities, it was concluded that Mycelium was the strongest performer regarding versatility and application of material properties. The other case studies used waste products effectively to minimise the waste of potential materials however they required additional processing which had an associated carbon cost and impact.

Fire Rating

Overall Versatility 27

02: Environmental Impact Contributions of waste to Climate Change

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2.1 : Glasgow 2045

Impacts of Climate Change on Glasgow Climate Change is having an exponentially growing impact upon our biosphere. The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) stated that Global Warming must be maintained within +1.5°C of pre-industrial levels by 2030 in order to avoid irreparable consequences (Watts, 2018).

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, atmospheric CO2 levels have risen by 40%, directly pointing the finger at human industrial activities as the cause of this (MET Office, 2019).

CO2 emissions, alongside other Greenhouse Gases, are causing a range of effects on the planet which threaten to offset the viability of a sustainable lifestyle on this planet. One form that these effects are currently having is the success of agricultural yields. Permanently damaging the environment threatens the fragile equilibrium required to sustain food growth for an exponentially growing global population. A polluted biosphere within the context of Glasgow would have severe knockon consequences to the sustainability of the urban fabric. The effects of Climate Change on Glasgow will 30

affect a large proportion of the city near to The River Clyde. As well as this, permeant changes to the local atmospheric conditions could impact the physical condition of the landscape. Changes to the landscape could create pressure on the food industry as well as the required functions that our buildings need to perform to house us within a comfortable indoor environment.

It is our job, as future architects, to predict the possible outcomes of these climate disasters and to design both to prevent and to combat these situations. As there are a variety of outcomes from differing research sources, we must push our designs to adapt as the climate changes. This thesis plans to incorporate the predictions made specific to Glasgow in order to create a vision for the city in 2045, which is when Scotland aims to bring all carbon emissions to net zero. The rest of the UK has the same target in place for 2050 and so we plan to design for an environmentally conscious city that is looking forward to the future of design and sustainability.

Figure 20

Polluted Water Sources

Rising Sea levels

Rising Temperatures

Acidic Soil Conditions

Glasgow 2045

Polluted Water

Rising Sea levels

Ocean Acidification Limited Potable Water Marine Life Plant Life

Loss in potential Fertile Farming Land Salination of Soil

Rising Temperatures

Acidic Soil Conditions

Soil Desertification Struggling Crop Yields Infertile Soil Increased Pressure on Food Production

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Glasgow 2019

Glasgow +2.0°C

2.2: Rainfall, Flooding & Rising Temperatures Analysis and Predictions for the UK and Glasgow With rainfall steadily increasing and seawater levels rising globally, there must be a consideration for the types of adverse weather that is to be expected across the United Kingdom (Climate Central, 2019).

The UK projections for 2080 according to current trends, suggest a 2 - 3°C increase during winter with slightly less increase to the West of Scotland. In summer the increase in Scotland is to be 2.5°C with the South of the UK rising to 4°C warmer than current temperatures (Met Office, 2019). The difference of 4°C may seem small, however just four degrees Celsius is what separates the temperature now and the temperature during the last Ice Age. That four-degree difference took tens of thousands of years, however we have managed to warm the planet by over 1°C just a few hundred years (Prairie Climate Centre, 2016).

Glasgow is predicted to get wetter and warmer, conditions which will cause flash flooding across a huge amount of the city centre with the Clyde likely bursting its banks. As a result of this, careful considera32

tion into the location of future projects along with flood prevention strategies need to be in place. The majority of flooding is to take place to the South of the Clyde through Paisley and Renfrew and out towards the Glasgow airport (refer to Figures 25 and 26).

The Met Office uses technology to predict future weather using Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) which are different scenarios that consider the amount of carbon emissions emitted. These scenarios named RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6, and RCP8.5 stem from the values of W/m2 carbon produced, with RCP2.6 being the lowest amount and RCP8.5 the highest (Wayne, 2013). Using the best-case and worst-case scenarios, we have inputted data to produce the annual average mean air temperature for 2030 – 2058 (refer to Figures 27 and 28). The worstcase scenarios show a drastic increase in temperatures with RCP2.6 having less effect of the North West of the UK and RCP8.5 having a larger effect on the North West of the UK. (Met Office, 2019)

Glasgow +4.0°C

Figure 25

Glasgow 2019

Glasgow +2.0°C

Loch Lomond

Glasgow +4.0°C Balloch Alexandria

Clydebank

Dumbarton River Clyde

Bearsden Partick

Kilmacolm

Glasgow City Centre Renfrew Paisley

Govan

Predicted Sea level Rises - Glasgow

Ri ve r

Cl yd e

Figure 26

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Annual average mean air temperature anomaly at 1.5m (°C) for years 2030 up to and including 2058, in all countries, using baseline 1961-1990, and scenario RCP 2.6

10th Percentile

50th Percentile

Mean air temperature anomaly at 1.5m (°C) 34

90th Percentile

Figure 27

Annual average mean air temperature anomaly at 1.5m (°C) for years 2030 up to and including 2058, in all countries, using baseline 1961-1990, and scenario RCP 8.5

10th Percentile

50th Percentile

Mean air temperature anomaly at 1.5m (°C)

90th Percentile

Figure 28

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Indicative rates of decarbonisation required to achieve 80% and 100% reductions for UK and Scotland

Figure 29

2.3: Government Incentives

Environmental Policies for the UK and Scottish Government The United Nations currently estimate that humans have 11 years left in order to limit a climate change catastrophe (United Nations, 2019). Since 2016, several countries and other organisations have been declaring climate emergencies which essentially means that they believe unless huge changes are made, there will be devastating environmental impacts. As a result, many organisations in the UK themselves declared climate emergencies, including town councils in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bath (Brown, 2019).

Originally, the UK government wanted to lower their carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050 - in comparison with the 1990s statistics. They have since increased this to 100 percent (refer to Figure 29).

Chancellor Philip Hammond believes that this could cost ÂŁ1 trillion by 2050 and that the money would need to come from schools, hospitals and police. The energy minister Chris Skidmore, however thinks it would cost 1-2 percent of the UKs GDP which is the same amount factored into the previous ambition to reach an 80 percent decrease as it does not take into account the benefits which would be cleaner air and a stable climate (Harrabin, 2019).

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Nicola Sturgeon declared in the SNP Conference in April 2019 that the Scottish Government would be net zero by 2045, five years earlier that the rest of the UK (Brown, 2019). Scotland has begun reducing its carbon emissions at a much faster rate that Wales and Northern Ireland comparatively and so it is on target to become carbon-neutral earlier (refer to Figure 30).

Source: BEIS (2019) 2018 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Provisional Figures; BEIS (2019) 2017 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Final Figures; CCC calculations.

Greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (1990-2017)

NAEI (2019) Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

No inventory data are available for devolved administrations in 1991-1994 or 1996-1997.

Figure 30

2.4: Clean Industry and Industrial Decarbonisation International and national data

Due to the global shift towards zero carbon economies, there is a focus on clean energy, industry and transport. Europe has the second highest valued clean energy market behind Asia Pacific airport (refer to Figure 31) at $2.6 trillion, ahead of North and South America and the Middle East and Turkey. As more money is being invested into low carbon strategies, the impacts of industry on the environment must be scrutinised. In order for countries to combat the negative effects of climate change, they must invest in new technologies with low carbon outputs, less waste products and recycling existing materials rather than exhausting virgin material resources.

The UK government has plans in place to invest up to £170 million by 2030 into new low carbon technologies in areas of intense industry and high carbon emission rates. On top of this, the government will invest up to £130 million into the UK’s manufacturing industry in order to compete with other international competitors to increase yield by almost a third by 2030 (UK Government, 2019). Although the carbon emissions related to industry have been decreasing since 1990, both these factors would contribute to a significant improvement in the UK’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as industry sits as the second largest producer airport (refer to Figure 32) behind surface transport - which is still increasing.

The Americas $1.9tn

Global Markets in Clean Energy

Figure 31

Europe $2.6tn Asia Pacific $5.8tn

Middle East & Turkey $2tn Rest of World $1.2tn

Investment in power-generating capacity by region, 2019-50 ($trillion, 2018 real)

Trends in UK sectoral Greenhouse Gas emissions (1990-2015)

Figure 32

2.5 : Chapter Summary Climate Impact on Glasgow

These statistics indicate the importance of industrial decarbonisation in their contribution towards greenhouse gases. Not only this, but it highlights the amount of money the EU is investing into sustainable options compared to its counterparts, as well as showing the government’s acknowledgements of this data and the targets in place to invest a large amount of money into construction and industry schemes that are working towards sustainable means. This is important to this thesis as it shows that there not only a need and a want for clean industrial processes, but also funding and support to make this become a reality in the United Kingdom.

Source: BEIS (2019) 2018 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Provisional Figures; BEIS (2019) 2017 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Final Figures; CCC calculations.

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03: Mycelium

The potential capabilities of absorbing Waste

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3.1 : Introduction to Mycelium Mycelium Background & Viability

Mycelium is the fungi that creates the root structure for mushrooms to grow. Developing in the ground, the threadlike cells grow over the space of a week before producing mushrooms which emerge from the surface (Lefteri, 2013). Fungi are classed as micro-organisms with several differences. The key characteristic of Fungi is that due to their lack of Chlorophyll, they do not rely on the sun, using photosynthesis to create food. As a result, the microorganisms are entirely self-sufficient, described as an Autotroph (Sharp, 1978). Instead of photosynthesis, Fungi rely upon other micro-organisms for their source of nutrients.

This naturally occurring substance is the equivalent of a self-assembling adhesive which binds organic as well as synthetic by-products together. The Mycelium can digest cellulose from a waste material, transforming it into Chitin (the same material that exoskeletal insect shells are composed of), giving the material a harder external layer (Haneef, et al., 2017). As the organism grows outwards, it branches out with small intricate threads called Hyphae. As the process develops these Hyphae knit together, binding the material together into a solid mass.

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When applied within an architectural context, this material has a variety of capabilities. Mycelium has been developed into bricks and insulations blocks, as its strengths within construction lie in its ability to insulate against sound, vibrations and heat loss, supporting a wide range of compressive loads

as well as its capability to be moulded into most shapes and forms. The micro-organism’s nature of absorbing organic and synthetic waste for the purpose of growth is perhaps its biggest strength when discussing waste and pollution. The 100% natural process and materials involved allow for the embodied energy of this construction material to be net zero (Scientific American, 2019). The application of biomimicry within construction has large advantages regarding the treatment of waste.

In Chapter 1.6, research of materials which use waste as a raw material concluded that Mycelium posed the widest variety of application within construction.

Whilst all the material examples discussed utilised waste in an efficient manner, Mycelium’s nature of absorbing waste through natural fermentation involved the least amount of secondary manufacturing. This additional manufacturing was a key consideration when developing a solution.

When comparing artificial manmade materials with naturally occurring ones, the key difference is that without nature’s ability to micro-assemble cells into detailed structures, the important properties of natural materials are lost. The multicellular organism holds this ability to intelligently and precisely arrange its cells into complex structures which enable exponential growth. The natural world is a complex network of self-assembling ecosystems which repair and decompose to ensure the potential from all matter is used to its full value. Mycelium holds the key to rid the construction industry of its inorganic waste production.

Figure 33

Figure 35

Figure 34

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3.2 : Growth Process Analysis Mycelium Growth Stages

Conditions for growth: ◻ Dark, cool, moist and humid ◻ c21 degrees Celcius ◻ Controlled humidity and temperature ◻ Restricted natural light ◻ Organic or synthetic waste

Mycelium and mushrooms are relatively easily grown in Scotland and so it is thought they would grow everywhere if other organisms were not competing for the same area.

For this reason, with conditions in Glasgow set to become wetter, utilising this material through cultivation and innovation could be a likely reality.

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Composting and Pasteurising: Compost is used at the start of the growing process to create a fertile substrate for the Mycelium to colonise.

In order for Aerobic Fermentation to take place, a combination of moisture, Oxygen, Nitrogen, carbohydrates and Gypsum are added to the staw and manure mix. A steady flow of air is key to ensure inputs are supplied and outputs are expelled from the material.

Spawning:

Mycelium:

Mushrooms:

Once the Mycelium spores are embedded within the substrate, they begin to grow in all directions. They take the form of thin, microscopic Hyphae, in the shape of common root structures, absorbing as they develop.

After the Hyphae has completely consumed its substrate, its rate of growth slows as it prepares for the next stage. Once the Mycelium has grown, the new material is heated, killing off the funghi and leaving a stable and organic material for development. It is at this stage that Mycelium is most useful for Architecture as the material can be used to replace environmentally harmful substitutes.

If the Mycelium is not heated at the previous stage, the Micro-organisms continue to develop, eventually sprouting mushrooms. Once the mushrooms have grown large enough for commercial sale, they are harvested from the Mycelium.

Mushrooms can continue to sprout mushrooms for several harvests before the yields begin to drop off.

Organic, Non Toxic Material

Class A Fire Rating

3.3 : Material Properties Mycelium, it’s strengths and weaknesses

The benefits of using Mycelium as a building material relate to the human interaction with the built world.

Extensive exposure to buildings with poor indoor air quality can have devastating impacts on the health of the users and so architects need to consider the types of materials that are being specified in their buildings.

Materials which are organic and naturally occurring are generally healthier for the occupants, Mycelium contains no volatile organic compounds which can contribute to health issues such as breathing difficulties and lung problems. An example of this would be MDF which gives off formaldehyde when sawn which has been linked to breathing problems, instead of this, a composite Mycelium board could be used in order to rid the threat of VOCs. The fire rating of Mycelium is Class A, the highest rating of fire protection, this means it will not act as a catalyst in the case of a fire. This factor is high in the desirable qualities of a material, especially as incidents such a Kingspan Insulation in the panels which contributed to the Grenfell disaster.

The water resistance of Mycelium makes it a good material both for internal and external use. Although it can be used for insulation, its water-resistant quality does decrease over time. If in contact with the

Water Resistant

Variable Strength 2-46 kPa at 10% Mycelium content 496-1,792 kPa at 50% Mycelium content

Mould Resistant

Figure 41

ground it is likely to grow mould within a few months decomposing over time. This is an advantage as when disposed of, the material will return its nutrients to the local ecosystem.

Mycelium acts as the ‘glue’ combining the other materials it consumes. Therefore, the strength of the Mycelium brick can be altered by whatever substrate it is combined with. Sawdust, straw and inorganic materials such as aluminium cans all have a wide variety of properties which would alter the strength of the Mycelium brick. Therefore, different materials can acquire the desired strength needed for its purpose.

In addition to this, the Mycelium can be grown into whichever shape or size is required making it more versatile and more appealing to designers. As it stands, Mycelium has a rating of 30 psi compared to concrete’s strength in compression which is 4000 psi. If comparing Mycelium against concrete relative to weight, Mycelium is much stronger (Bonnefin, 2018).

Mycelium is partly mould resistant. Similarly, to the water resistance, if kept in its optimum conditions, it won’t grow mould. Like all materials, if improperly specified, the material will not reach its full potential and it will begin to degrade.

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Figure 42

3.4 : Hy-Fi

Case Study 03 : The Living, New York In 2014, The Living worked in collaboration with Ecovative to design and build a 13-metre-tall tower for hosting public cultural events. The structure was an experiment into the applications of Mycelium within the construction industry, comprising of 10,000 individual mushroom-based bricks (The Living, 2014).

The temporary structure was constructed in the Queens area of New York, hosting cultural events for 3 months before being dismantled, composted and distributed across local allotments and community gardens (The Living, 2014). This project highlighted the key benefit of using Mycelium within construction by decomposing after becoming obsolete, feeding back into the local ecosystem.

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Figure 43

Case Study 03: Analysis

Figure 44

Longevity and Reuse of the Structure

In order to analyse the Hy-Fi case study the project was compared against a list of strengths and weaknesses of the material and then scored out of ten for each of the categories. The results are as follows: The water resistance is not a huge concern in the building of the Hy-Fi project. It is intended as a celebrative structure of a possible technology rather than an active building. Due to this, the project did not have to be water-tight. The strength to weight ratio of the structure is moderate. It is not self-supporting as although the bricks are stacked, they have a primary timber structure in addition. The insulative properties are like the water resistance in that the piece is not a building, therefore it does not need to act as an enclosed structure holding heat due to its nature.

One of the strengths of the material in the structure would be the fire rating of the project would not have been a primary concern due to the scale of the project, its lifetime and its nature, however, the material is Class A fire rated and therefore would not have to be treated by other means in order to make it safe for the users.

The main weakness of the project is its longevity. Due to the temporary status of the exhibition the structure was only designed to last three months in New York. This did not allow for the permanence of the material to be testing, however, as the structure was dismantled to act as a fertiliser for the surrounding areas, it produced little waste allowing it to be not only extremely environmentally conscious, but also a great contribution to the local community and the surrounding habitats and ecosystems.

The main outcome of the case study came from not only the general material properties of the Mycelium structure working in practice, but from the lifespan of the building. Although the Mycelium was not used to the length that it would be expected to last if used within a standard building, it allowed to show a solution to the issue of construction waste. As the Mycelium is an organic product, it can breakdown and help in the growth of other organic materials, or it can be used to grow more Mycelium structures from and therefore could become another construction material in a second life.

Water Resistance

Strength to Weight Ratio Environmental Rating Insulative Properties Fire Rating Longevity

Community Contribution 45

Figure 45

3.5 : Ecovative

Case Study 04 : Ecovative, New York Ecovative are an innovative research company, producing various solutions to environmental concerns through design. Developing a patented Mycelium and Hemp composite - as well as several other composites - allows them to replace environmentally harmful materials such as plastic packaging. They have addressed some of the planet’s most crucial environmental concerns such as single use plastic products, leather production and the meat industry.

Ecovative are paving the way in Mycelium development, creating household objects such as planters and protective packaging and distributing them online, whilst actively promoting their solution to environmental issues. They also provide dried Mycelium spores and do-it-yourself kits in order for people to grow their own Mycelium products (Ecovative, 2019). See chapter 04 : Conclusions for further case studies and site selection and analysis.

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Figure 46

3.6 : Mycelium in Scotland

Fit for Fungus

Rora, Aberdeenshire

Scottish Commercial Mushroom Farming

Mushrooms are an extremely versatile and varied crop with a wide range of species and application within the food industry. Currently within Scotland, there are two mushroom farms which supply Scottish and UK markets: Monaghan Mushrooms and Mushrooms Scotland.

Mushrooms Scotland LTD is based in Fallin and has 10 mushroom growing rooms producing 50.000 lbs of mushrooms per week (Mushrooms Scotland, 2019).

Monaghan Mushrooms Fenton Barns, East Lothian

Mushrooms Scotland Fallin, Stirlingshire

Monaghan Mushrooms originates their business from Ireland but has since set up farm in North Berwick. They sell 1800 tonnes of mushrooms every week to 29 different countries which includes eight of the main supermarkets in Scotland (Monaghan Mushrooms, 2019).

Fit the Fungus is new business based in Pitburn near Rora in Aberdeenshire that grows and sells gourmet mushrooms that started operating in December of 2018 and has seen such a high demand that it has already has to expand it production.

The business gets most of its demand from high-end eateries and has begun to host evenings focussing on foraged foods (Bryce, 2019).

Figure 47

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3.7 : Commercial Farming Scales Mushroom Growth Scales

Mushrooms Scotland

Fit for Fungus

Fallin, Stirlingshire

Rora, Aberdeenshire

Capacity: 50,000 lbs per week

Capacity: 200 bags

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Figure 48

Figure 49

Monaghan Mushrooms Fenton Barns, East Lothian Capacity: 1800 tonnes

Figure 50

49

Fit for Fungus

Rora, Aberdeenshire

Typology: Traditonal farmhouses holding growing apparatus

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Mushrooms Scotland Fallin, Stirlingshire

Typology: Polytunnel-style structures Additional solar-panels

Monaghan Mushrooms Fenton Barns, East Lothian

Typology: Polytunnel-style structures

Figure 51

Figure 52

Traditional Warehouses

3.8 : Mushroom Cultivation Analysis An analysis of typology and scale

The concept of analysing the different existing farms within Scotland that are cultivating mushrooms was to understand the scale of the buildings in relation to how much produce they can provide. This helped to develop an architectural response regarding how much space would be required and the conditions and processes of mushroom growth.

The two larger projects use polytunnel-like structures in order to shelter the mushrooms within a clean and controlled indoor environment. The smaller business works from an existing structure and grows the mushrooms from hanging bags within the building. This farm was less relevant to this thesis as it is a small-scale business for gourmet use.

In order to use Mycelium for a building material, the thesis needs to cultivate vast amounts of Mycelium,

and so structures more similar to polytunnels are more suited to the scale of building needed.

Building Upwards to Save Space

The typology here is something that is to be developed further as the thesis progresses. There needs to be a way in which large amounts of cultivation can be achieved from a smaller footprint of land in order to consider other possible issues that need to be considered for Glasgow in 2045.

Due to the possibility of growing Mycelium below ground, other case studies were investigated which grow produce below land, specifically mushrooms in order to understand the limitations and advantages of this process. See chapter 04 : Conclusions for further case studies and site selection and analysis.

Building Downwards to Save Space

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3.9 : Urban Farming Local Urban Agriculture

A key issue within agricultural business is that whilst efforts may be made to limit the environmental impacts of growing (organic/low in artificial fertilisers), the very nature of an extensive, wide reaching distribution chain undoes this effort to be zero-carbon.

The process of mass-growing fruit and vegetables on large farms means that the produce must be shipped further to reach the consumer’s plate. This would normally involve being picked before being packaged in plastic, stored in large chilled warehouses and then being driven or flown (in chilled transport!) to supermarkets via distribution centres. The concern is that why should a family in London be eating the same carrots as a family in Glasgow, just because it’s convenient to grow them on a select few farms?

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By giving power back to local communities, they can take charge of the seasonal and locally sourced food they consume throughout the year. There are currently 32 allotment sites across the Glasgow area,

as well as several other community initiatives and social enterprises which endorse local growing and consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables (Glasgow City Council, 2019).

The options surrounding cultivating within a city can be made possible if a different approach towards farming is taken. Whilst traditional crops and vegetables require sunlight in order to grow, making them land intensive and close to their traditional typologies, Mycelium requires fewer demanding conditions, thriving from damp, dark conditions (Hebel, 2014). Unlike most other cultivated produce, there is the possibility to grow underground.

Figure 53 shows the distribution of urban agriculture across Glasgow. The hatches highlighting the areas in Glasgow with green spaces that have a possibility of agricultural production, show that to the west of Glasgow City Centre there is extensive possibility to provide an area of cultivation.

Allotments

Community Gardens

Locally Grown Social Enterprises

3.10 : Waste Digestion Analysis Organic Waste, Composting and Bokashi

In the UK, around 10 million tonnes of food are wasted annually with 70% of that being potentially edible as opposed to inedible. 41 million tonnes of food are purchased annually in the UK, resulting in just over a quarter being wasted. This food waste has an economic and environmental cost as well, estimated at around ÂŁ20 billion a year with 25 million tonnes of Greenhouse Gases being emitted as a result (WRAP, 2019).

A significant contributor to this large mass of wasted food is the extensive and over-complicated production process. Relying on food lasting longer to get it from soil to plate results in a large percentage of food going off before or soon after it arrives at its destination.

One solution to this problem which is discussed in this document is locating smaller, more intense farms closer or within city infrastructure. This would mitigate the effects of having large processing and transportation processes, reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions from refrigerated trucks and processing centres.

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There will always be an inevitable percentage of food which is wasted annually however by actively reducing the amount wasted, environmental impacts can be controlled. Environmental impacts can also be reduced by responsibly handling and managing the disposal

of the waste that is produced. Instead of disposing food waste through normal landfill means, food waste can be easily returned to the soil through natural decomposition methods. By using food waste to create compost, the nutrients which are locked within the food can be used to start the cycle again. Using nature as a precedent for a waste management system holds several answers to the problems being faced. Within the natural world, nothing is wasted once it becomes obsolete. Everything organic has the capability of being composted to provide nutrients for the soil, fuelling a circular approach to waste. A Japanese system of composting called Bokashi (fermentation) is capable of making the process more efficient. The bacteria within the special bran are mixed in with the food waste, enabling it to eat away at the waste, breaking it down into usable compost material. The organic waste material is pickled by the Bokashi, breaking down quickly creating usable compost.

Taking all of this information into account, our site needs to choose an organic waste product specific to its location. By finding this excess resource, we can decide what we will combine with Mycelium in order to produce construction products.

Coffee Beans Responsibly Sourced

Coffee Consumption

Coffee Grounds Collected

Coffee Ground Waste Transported

Coffee Ground Waste Pasteurised

Figure 55 55

Figure 56

3.11 : Beer & Coffee Waste

Case Study 05 : Waste product resources, Toronto The first step in the urban mushroom-growing process is collecting coffee and beer remnants from local cafes and brewers. Next, that food waste is combined with wood chips from the City of Montreal, all of which is mixed and pasteurized at a high temperature. What remains is substrate which is inoculated with Mycelium and sent to incubation rooms where the mixture will sit for two weeks. From there, it’s off to the greenhouses (which are whiter and greyer than green) where the spawn can “flourish,” as Roy Maheu likes to say.

Among the city’s chefs, there is no shortage of demand for fresh, fleshy, year-round oyster mushrooms. “Chefs love it. When they see the mushroom, they’re like, ‘Wow! That’s what a pleurite is supposed to look like!’ Most people aren’t used to eating or cooking mushrooms that are this firm and meaty. Most of the time when they arrive at supermarkets, they’re wet and limp” (Rose, 2016).

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Figure 57

Figure 58

Case Study 05: Analysis Starting from Waste

As with the analysis of the Hy-Fi case study, the beer and coffee waste analysis began by creating a list of related strengths and weaknesses to be rated from zero to ten in order to understand the quality and success of the project. The results are as follows:

Due to the structures being grown in plastic tubs, the water resistance of the material is not important. The tubs are stored indoors, and the Mycelium growth is used to grow mushrooms so the strength to weight ratio is another factor that the project does not excel in, however, this was not an aim of the project. The project’s sustainability and environmental rating is successful in its use of a waste product as the ‘food’ for the Mycelium to grow from, however the plastic tubs although used many times and not single-use, would take over one hundred years to break down if they were to stop being used or to become damaged.

Like the water resistance and strength ratings, the

insulative properties and fire rating of the project are unimportant in this sense. The longevity of the project is low in the sense that the mushrooms are quickly grow and sold, however, the process can repeat many times over.

The most interesting part of the project to the thesis research is the community contribution. Toronto had an abundance of coffee grounds and beer by-products that were being taken to landfill instead of reused. The project has taken a small issue in their community that is contributing to a larger global problem and removing these by-products from the hands of the consumers, which in many cases are coffee shops, to create another product from this ‘waste’, allowing for not only less product being sent to landfill. But also, for a new product - in this case mushrooms - to be grown from these by-products. As a result, you are able to take one man’s waste, and grow another man’s treasure.

Water Resistance

Strength to Weight Ratio Environmental Rating Insulative Properties Fire Rating Longevity

Community Contribution 57

3.12 : Process Analysis An Abundance of Waste

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Following on from the analysis of using coffee ground waste as a substrate for the growth of Mycelium, it was important to address the potential for this waste product to be applied to construction Mycelium. The success of incorporating the Toronto community within the process of responsibly managing the coffee waste is the main factor which created the sustainable cycle.

Educating the community and providing them with the infrastructure for waste to be responsibly processed, enables the cycle to be sustained by encouraging responsible habits. The UK consumes 55 million cups of coffee every day resulting in half a million tonnes of coffee grounds being generated (Revive, 2019).

Scotland contributes over 40,000 tonnes of coffee waste per year with the majority of it being sent to landfill where the CO2 emitted contributes to Greenhouse Gases (Black, 2019). Within the context of Glasgow, several social enterprises deal with the recycling and processing of coffee waste, with the aim of diverting

this material into new industry. One social enterprise claim that as much as 60% of a cafÊ’s waste material consists of coffee grounds (Black, 2019). Combining this abundance of locally produced waste material with precedent of it having large potential within an agricultural context, the feasibility of this material as a substrate for Mycelium construction materials evolved. Whilst the feasibility of coffee waste has been proven for the growth of Mycelium, due to its organic nature and abundance of nutrients, further testing of the resulting Mycelium will be required to ensure the required construction properties are met. In theory, the physical qualities of coffee waste are comparable to similar materials such as sawdust and sand, both which are used within construction materials and specifically Mycelium. Whilst the predicted output of this research will be successful, the analysis of this technology transfer will take place within the continuing research.

Mycelium Cultivation

Mycelium Processing

Coffee Beans Responsibly Sourced

Coffee Consumption

Industry Research Mycelium Construction Material Output

Coffee Grounds Collected

Mycelium Useful Life within Built Environment

Coffee Ground Waste Transported

Technology Development and Development

Figure 59

Mycelium Decomposes after Building Demolition

Coffee Ground Waste Pasteurised

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04: Conclusions Where do we go now?

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Food Energy

Organic Waste Inputs

Human Habitats

Outputs

Goods

Emissions Inorganic Waste

Linear Economy

Organic waste

Recycled

Reduced pollution and waste

Human Habitats

Renewable inputs

Inorganic waste

Recycled Circular Economy 62

Figure 60

Figure 61

Nutrient Rich Compost Filtered Water from River Kelvin

Waste Coffee Grounds

Decomposing Mycelium Matter Green Energy Mycelium Construction Materials

Growth

Mycelium Spores

Recycled

Clean Water Inorganic waste Figure 63

4.1 : Closing the Loop Minimise construction waste

The world’s economic structure is set on the basic principle of extraction of natural materials from the ground with the purpose of production. This continuous global system rolls forward at the expense of the planet’s environmental sustainability.

1.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are produced annually by cities across the world with that figure currently growing to over 2.2 billion tonnes within five years (World Bank, 2019). As well as this, China is predicted to produce more than half of the total solid waste produced globally by the end of 2025 (World Bank, 2019). The key to tackling Climate Change and the growing pollution of the planet is to apply a new way of thinking to our definition of waste.

Our abundance of waste can either be treated as a problem, or as a valuable resource with various opportunities to be used as a raw material. The

solution to Climate Change is not simply to incinerate our rubbish or to hide it underground, but to find a use for it as a new manmade resource. Within the natural world, ecosystems use their own waste within a metabolic cycle, sustaining growth and development within an endless loop.

Seeing a wealth of manmade waste as an advantageous resource and not a hindrance for economic growth is the key solution towards engaging with our environmental decisions and preventing further temperature rises. By unlocking the potential benefits of waste as a resource, global economies will reverse the pressure to exploit further the diminishing natural resources available.

If Glasgow is going to tackle its problem with sustainable waste management, this new mindset needs to be adopted across the city. The industrial process which mimics natural methods of composting

and growth will be the keystone of a new community centred system to digest coffee waste, locking the potential CO2 emissions within construction materials. To ensure Glasgow’s approach to waste is environmentally sustainable as well as economically within the community, the city needs a facility located within an urban context which repurposes waste locally, ensuring the associated embodied energy is used to its full potential. The digestion process will use coffee waste as an artificial raw material along with purified water and local weather conditions to power the cycle with carbon negative results.

Natural processes of fermentation, growth and anaerobic digestion will ensure a low energy solution to processing waste before producing Mycelium construction materials as well as surplus green energy and clean potable water with a low carbon footprint for local consumption.

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4.2 : Material Experimentation 1 Plaster, Ink & Epoxy Resin Studies

In order to gain further understanding of the Mycelium growing process, experiments were taken both in recording textures and forms of the mushroom structure as well as attempting to grow the material.

Initially the studies started with slicing mushrooms at regular intervals to record the structure of the vegetable. By understanding the build-up, the intention was to fully understand the Mycelium and how it grows and the functions it carries out to survive.

Moving forward from that, resin casts of a Portobello mushroom were taken to record the textures and surfaces of the vegetable. This was carried out to understand the contrast between the positive and negative spaces within the vegetable and the purposes that they serve. On the back of this, ink studies were done to play with these ideas on paper as well as in a three-dimensional state.

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The resin studies were then continued by incorporating plaster, developing these three-dimensional ideas further. By recording the organic forms in plaster, the final shapes were sharper and more solid, highlighting the textures.

Figure 63

Plaster Cast First Attempt Top View

Plaster Cast Second Attempt Top View

Epoxy Resin Negative Mould Top View

Plaster Cast First Attempt Side View

Plaster Cast Second Attempt Side View

Epoxy Resin Negative Mould Side View Figure 64

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4.3 : Material Experimentation 2 Mycelium Growth

Moving forward from the investigation into the mushroom material, the next step for this research was to begin growing the material itself. This was important to carry out in order to understand the process of growing Mycelium and the various constraints which decide the success of the micro-organisms.

Beginning with a prepared substrate mixture of Hemp and Straw, the dormant Mycelium spawn are reactivated to begin the growing process. Having researched the required growing environment and nutrients to stimulate Mycelium growth, a combination of flour and water was added to supply nutrients to the substrate. Once the nutrients are added, the spawn begin to grow white root-like strands called Hyphae.

The Mycelium was visible from Day 4 and continued to develop, binding the loose particles together. As this process progressed, condensation appeared on the bag as the Mycelium respired, creating Carbon Dioxide and water. A filter fitted in the bag allowed for the exchange of fresh air without letting in airborne pollutants.

After a week, with the substrate fully colonised, the Mycelium was taken out of the bag where it was then broken down by hand. This process of growing and then breaking stresses the Mycelium, encouraging further growth with even stronger bonds being made.

Further nutrients in the form of flour was added to fuel this growth. Combining the stressed Mycelium with extra nutrients catalyses the growth process, creating tighter, stronger Hyphae connections.

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The new mixture was then packed tightly into our

MDF moulds so that when fully grown, the Mycelium material would take this desired form. It was at this stage we found the potential for this material began to shine through, due to the lack of complicated materials or processes required. A clear plastic lid was fitted to the moulds to allow for visible progress of the growing material to be observed. Perforated holes were placed in the lid to allow for the same exchange of air to take place as the filter patch provided in the first stage of growth. In the following 6 days the Hyphae grew stronger, bonding the loose particles together to create a solid mass. After this stage the material was left for an extra 2 days, allowing the bonds to be strengthened further. Following this, the Mycelium was then removed from the moulds before being dried in an oven to prevent further growth. After this point, further growth would produce mushroom heads. After concluding the Mycelium growth process was feasible within a controlled environment, the sealed bag was opened and exposed the Mycelium to unfiltered indoor air to monitor the effects of common pollutants in comparison to a filtered, clean environment. As a result of being exposed to this unfiltered air, the Mycelium continued to grow at a lesser rate before plateauing after several days. Blue and grey mould developed on the surface of the Mycelium and after further examination, it had covered all sides of the brick. Concluding this practical experiment into the conditions required for successful growth, a filtered space for the Mycelium is essential in order to guarantee VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are removed and cannot compete with the Mycelium organisms as they grow.

Figure 65

Day 1 | 17/10/19 | 21°C Mycelium Reactivated

Day 2 | 18/10/19 | 21°C No visual changes

Day 3 | 19/10/19 | 21°C Potential Mycelium growth

Day 4 | 20/10/19 | 22°C Small visible particles with Hyphae

Day 5 | 21/10/19 | 22°C Hyphae beginning to knit together

Day 6 | 22/10/19 | 22°C Significant overnight growth

Day 7 | 23/10/19 | 22°C Continued growth within the substrate

Day 8 | 24/10/19 | 22°C Bonds between Hyphae connecting up

Day 9 | 25/10/19 | 21°C Close to full colonisation of the substrate

Day 10 | 26/10/19 | 21°C Full colonisation of the substrate

Day 11 | 27/10/19 | 21°C Ready to be transferred into moulds

Day 12 | 28/10/19 | 21°C Ready to be transferred into moulds

Figure 66

Figure 67 67

4.4 : Material Experimentation 3 Growing from a Book

Preparation Before starting the innoculation process, you must pick a paperback book of 200-400 pages long for the mushrooms to eat. The next thing that needs to be done is the sterilising of the book in order to kill any other bacteria that could alter the mushroom growth. In order to sterilise, the book, it must be placed into a polythene bag and covered in boiling water. Without removing the book from the bag, the excess water should be removed and the book squeezed until it is left damp.

Innoculate The spawn should then be poured into the bag between the pages of the book covering the start, beginning and end. This should be done without touching the inside of the bag or the book. After this is done the bag should be tied with string or tape and then plugged with kitchen towel.

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Colonise In order for the mycelium to grow, the book must be kept in a warm area of approximately 17 to 24 degrees celsius for optimum growth speed. This step will generally take between three and six weeks, however, if the temperature is too low this process will take longer and if the temperature is too high the mycelium will die. The mycelium will turn the book white all over with a ‘fuzz’ like thread substance.

Shock By placing the mushrooms in the fridge for two days and opening the bag to allow the air to cover the mycelium, the mushrooms will be able to grow if watered twice a day with 5cm of fresh, cool water.

After seven days the small white pinheads will start to form, at this point you will be able to reduce the amount of watering to lightly misting the mushrooms once a day to allow the mushrooms to fully develop.

This should occur over two to three days and then the mushrooms can be picked and eaten.

Figure 68

Pick a book with 200 - 400 pages

Put in Polythene bag and submerge in hot water

Squeeze bag until bubbles stop

Pour in spawn without touching inside the bag or book

Press book shut and tie bag and plug with kitchen paper

Keep in a warm area between 17 and 24 degrees Celsius

Leave for 3 - 6 weeks depending on Mycelium growth rates

Put bag in fridge for two days

Open bag and water 1 - 2 times a day with 5cm of cool fresh water

After 2-3 days, Mushrooms will grow and be ready to pick and eat Figure 69

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Top Left: Oyster Mushrooms growing from book Top Right: Mycelium Brick #2 (102.5 x 215 x 65mm) Bottom Left: Paperback book innoculated with Mycelium Bottom Right: Mycelium Brick #1 (102.5 x 215 x 65mm)

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Left: Mycelium Brick #3 (102.5 x 215 x 65mm) Top: Mycelium material placed in mould Middle: Mycelium begins to knit together Bottom: Mycelium fully grown in mould

Figure70

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Figure71

4.5 : Growing Underground

Case Study 06 : Underground Hydroponics Farm Under the streets of London, in an abandoned World War Two air raid shelter is an innovative new company pushing the depths of urban agriculture. 33 metres underground, this farm uses a combination of LED and Hydroponic technology to cultivate successful crops all year round (Growing Underground, 2019).

The benefits of using this strategy for agriculture is that external conditions such as weather and climate change will not influence the quality of the yield. Seasons aren’t an issue thanks to a controlled indoor environment which is maintained throughout the year (Growing Underground, 2019). Due to the location of the farm below the city, in otherwise wasted potential space, the embodied energy in chilled storage and distribution of these crops is very little. This form of agriculture can have the crop picked, packed and in stores and kitchens in as little as 4 hours. This method uses 70% less water than regular arable farming methods, within a closed loop system (Growing Underground, 2019). This maintains all nutrients within the system, removing the risk of agricultural run-off.

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Figure72

London 2019

Glasgow 2045

City Above Ground

Services

Case Study 06: Analysis Cultivating Beneath the Surface

The Underground Hydroponics Farm in London uses a discarded WW2 bunker which utilises an existing structure giving it a new life. By doing this, they are able to grow within an urban context without using a large urban footprint, saving space in a densely populated city where land is at a premium. By setting the thesis project in Glasgow in 2045, with the population rising, city centre land is likely to be more sought after, and so cultivating beneath the surface has many benefits. Not only would it allow the process to be central to Glasgow, it would reduce the embodied energy by creating a new project using an existing subterranean framework which already has an embodied energy. Any existing structure already has an embodied energy from when it was constructed, from the excavation of the materials, to the excavation of the site. Any new build would require additional embodied energy and thus reusing an abandoned structure is going to limit the environmental impacts of a new project.

The Hydroponics Farm requires artificial lighting in order to grow the vegetables simulating natural sunlight. The advantages of growing Mycelium underground come from its growing requirements. The Mycelium requires dark, damp conditions which a lot of other organisms cannot survive in, so growing underground would be possible, and the only requirement would be a sterile environment in order to keep mould from growing on the Mycelium products.

Existing Subterranean Networks

New Subterranean Cultivation

Figure 73

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4.6 : Subterranean Networks in Glasgow Analysis Existing Abandoned Infrastructure

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After analysing the success of the London Hydroponic Farm, the research then looked at the network of infrastructure which exists below Glasgow, in an attempt to draw similarities between the two cities. The benefits that the Hydroponics included a central urban location without using land on the surface which is at a premium. As a result of this the farm could massively reduce their carbon footprint as transport and storage emissions were radically reduced.

After researching more into the infrastructure of Glasgow, it became obvious that within a futuristic setting of 2045, being located within a subterranean network would provide many benefits. It would allow for comfortable spaces, sheltered from the weather. As discussed within the thesis, as a result of increased carbon emissions, Climate Change will cause increased rainfall and higher average temperatures in the West of Scotland. Creating a delicate industrial ecosystem which is protected from harsh weather conditions will increase the success of this proposal. Being located beside an area which produces an abundance of waste will allow the embodied energy of the Mycelium to be far lower than comparable current construction materials.

Glasgow’s relationship with subterranean transport has served as the backbone for Glasgow’s

development. In 1896 the Glasgow Subway network was opened, allowing the public to move around the city quickly without the traffic and pollution present in Industrial Glasgow (SPT, 2019). Low level train lines run from the East end of Glasgow, under the city centre and re-emerging in the west end, allowing connected transport through one of Scotland’s busiest cities. The railways were also used to supply the various growing industries with coal to fuel production (Glasgow Punter, 2017). In the 1960s, a combination of financial cuts to the rail network and a drop in demand within the city resulted in closure of sections of the rail network. Whilst some of this infrastructure has floated between use and disrepair, the underlining structure sits intact but unused (Glasgow Punter, 2017).

This led the thesis to assess the viability of reopening this abandoned network for the purpose of tackling urban waste. As mentioned earlier in the research, waste can be both a physical by-product as well as a loss in potential. The abandoned subterranean network sits in disrepair but with the potential to be renovated for new industry. The waste in potential use highlights the embodied energy that went into constructing this infrastructure and how it can still have a positive impact on the city, years after being used as a route to transport fossil fuels.

Figure 74

Figure 75

Figure 76

Disused Railway Tunnel Disused Railway Line Current Railway Line

Current Railway Station

Disused Railway Station Subway Station

Subway Tunnel

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Figure 78

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4.7 : Botanic Gardens and Kelvinbridge Railway Stations

Repurposing of Glaswegian Subterranean Networks The Caledonian Railway line, linked the old Botanic Gardens Station, located in the grounds of the Botanic Gardens, with Kelvinbridge to the south-east and Kirklee station to the north-west. Today the line no longer exists as an active transport link and the line between the Botanic Gardens and Kelvinbridge The Botanic Gardens station was opened in 1896, however, shut due to financial struggles during the First World War and reopened after the war finished only to be closed permanently just before the outbreak of the Second World War. The line remained active until 1964 and the closed Botanic station became shops, cafes and a nightclub. The structures of both the stations were destroyed by fires, in the Kelvinbridge station in 1968 and a fire in the nightclub of the Botanic Gardens station in 1970. Both structures outer walls remained intact, with the Botanic Gardens station demolished due to safety concerns. The Kelvinbridge station’s outer walls remain intact and visible today (McDonald, 2017).

The underground platforms remain untouched below, with the exception of graffiti and nature reclaiming the space. The Botanic Gardens underground can be viewed from open air shafts above and a fenced off area contains the floor and foundations from the old station. The unique aspects of this site are its quiet location relating to the Botanic Gardens as well as the bustle of the West End. The station is hidden away in a quiet part of the gardens and is falling into disrepair. Instead of leaving it to become a ruin, there is an opportunity to utilise an existing structure, reducing the emissions that would be needed to excavate a new site and obtain new raw materials for building. The site has had proposals since its closure for the existing station, above ground, yet no proposals for a new underground use.

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Figure 79

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4.8 : Glasgow’s Botanical Gardens Above and Below the Surface

Although the railway line below the surface of the Botanic Gardens is heavy and industrial, above ground is populated with lightweight glass structures housing plants from across the globe.

The contrast between the structures above and below ground highlight their varying typologies. The structures below ground are built solely for their purpose, above ground the buildings were for celebrating their contents and the station entrance was ornate and decorated with two large clock towers. These were a landmark attracting people to use the railway line and was successful until the economic struggles that forced its closure.

Our thesis hopes to use similar values, with the existing structure below housing the initial cultivation processes, and above ground celebrating the manufacturing of this new industry for Glasgow.

Above ground will distribute the materials across the city to help build new, ecological solutions to Glasgow’s construction industry.

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4.9 : Architectural Response Minimise construction waste

The world’s economic build up is set on the basic principle of extraction of natural materials from the ground with the purpose of production. This continuous global system rolls forward at the expense of the planet’s environmental sustainability.

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With global waste figures to hit over 2.2 billion tonnes within five years, a new approach to defining common waste must be adopted (World Bank, 2019). Either, large production of waste figures suggest a serious disadvantage and pollution on the environment, or a valuable resource in its own right. The solution to Climate Change is not simply to burn our rubbish and hide it in the ground, but to find a use for it as a new manmade resource. Within the natural world, ecosystems use their own waste within a metabolic cycle where an endless loop, sustaining itself again and again.

Seeing a wealth of manmade waste as an advantageous resource and not a hindrance for economic growth is the key solution towards engaging with our environmental decisions and preventing further temperature rises.

By unlocking the potential benefits of using waste as a resource, global economies will instantly lift the pressure to exploit further the diminishing natural resources available.

Relating to the context of the West End of Glasgow, the location to various sources of coffee waste provide several interesting architectural opportunities regarding the collection and processing of the waste, as well as the additional renewable resources required to fuel the zero-carbon process. The opportunities for double height spaces from tunnel to surface will create an interesting dialogue between function as well as positive and negative space. The conditions required for Mycelium growth will allow the final design to play with different qualities of light as well as other environmental conditions. These environmental conditions will also decide which spaces are required to be within the proposed subterranean network and which will be located on the surface. The predicted land restrictions will also impact the potential need to stack some facilities vertically within a high-rise tower.

Figure 80

4.10 : Site Adjacencies Resourcing Waste Locally

The site meets close to the intersection of the two main roads in the West End of Glasgow, Byers Road and Great Western Road. Along these streets are an abundance of restaurants and cafes, selling cups of coffees to students and professionals both passing and sitting to enjoy them. The rest of the surrounding area is occupied with residential buildings, of which will inhabit many people drinking coffee in the mornings.

By using the coffee waste in our manufacturing process, the community is contributing towards the future of the construction industry in Glasgow and giving back by using a waste product that would elsewise end up in landfill.

Figure 81

Glasgow Botanic Gardens Railway Station Site Appraisal

81

River Access Appraisal

Figure 82 82

Historic Trainline

4.11 : Site Appraisal Site Analysis and Viability

Route Analysis

The Botanic Gardens Site offers many advantages to the industrial process being proposed for the West End of Glasgow.

With increasing pressure being put on the energy sector to supply a growing demand, the site provides an opportunity for the industrial growth of Mycelium to be self-sustained within its own cycle. The adjacency of the site to The River Kelvin allows the power required to be generated from a Hydroelectric plant, located at the opening to the tunnel. During research into environmental effects of increased CO2 emissions, the main conclusion suggested that as a result, the Scottish climate is likely to become warmer with increased precipitation to be expected also. From these results, it can be concluded that this added rainfall will cause increased surface runoff within urban areas, leading to higher frequency of flash flooding and a saturated water table. Applying this new approach to resources, the increased water table will allow the proposal to connect with its surrounding context through various estuarine links. The tunnel to the south, as

well as The River Kelvin, will also connect the site with The River Clyde, providing further connections to a wider distribution network. Reusing the former railway line infrastructure will also allow the proposed industry to connect with the rest of Glasgow.

Whilst aspects of the historic trainline have been removed to allow for new land uses to take hold, the existing framework of the previous route can still be seen and could be utilised as a distribution network for importing and exporting materials to and from site. Within a future urban setting of 2045, an increased population will likely put greater strain on the road networks which surround the site, making transport of goods by road difficult and unsustainable.

Replicating the function of Mycelium itself, hiding the processes required for Mycelium construction materials within an underground, subterranean network with pop up architectural interventions, will allow the industry to relate to its adjacencies whilst not being hindered by the effects of an increasing urban sprawl.

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Glasgow Botanic Gardens Railway Station Site Section

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Figure 83

4.12 : Tunnels and Towers

Figure 84

Space Saving Networks

A key factor in the choice of site was the conditions required for Mycelium to grow. Mycelium is capable of growing almost anywhere as long as there is no competition from alien organisms. Additionally, since it does not rely on photosynthesis for growth, Mycelium doesn’t require natural sunlight so can grow in darkness.

Since Glasgow has a selection of disused railway tunnels, the opportunity to design a process which utilised these abandoned subterranean networks to grow Mycelium developed further. Designing with future design constraints of minimal footprint but maximum process efficiency required existing infrastructure to be developed along with an industrial process which was vertically linear whilst circular in economy. The benefits of using the tunnel network for production is that it provides an extensive pre-existing linear plan within the context of a largely densely populated urban district. To create the same linear production line above ground would be a waste when land is at a premium

in the city, however since the infrastructure is already present, the value of that space is reused in a different typology than before. The linear form of the tunnel as well as the railway station also allows for various sections to be applied to different parts of the process ensuring the space is used efficiently to its full value.

Whilst the processes involved will still be industrial in purpose, the aim is to ensure the final design will allow the community to engage with the process of reusing waste materials. One finding which came from the research was that to ensure waste is treated in the right manner, the way the community addresses its waste needs to change. Waste material only become waste if we allow it to. Alternately, the approach to the potential of all material is reset and a remodelled system ensures a circular economy keeps the material and embodied energy in constant use.

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1. Water Purification from River Kelvin Aeration and Filtration

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2. Treatment of Coffee Ground Waste Pasteurisation of Substrate

Figure 85

3. Hydroponic system in disused tunnels Subterranean Growth

4. Material Processing Centre Construction Material Manufacturing

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5. River Kelvin HydroPower Plant Strong currents harnessed to power green industrial process

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6. Dispersal Centre Processed Mycelium Construction materials are distributed for assembly

Figure 85

4.13 : The Production Line Growing & Dissecting the Mycelium

7. Bokashi Digestor Pods Remote units provide a mobile facility for recycling of organic waste

Summarising the process through architectural responses, it begins to break down into several various types of architectural typology. In 2045, the research suggested that whilst rainfall will increase significantly on current levels, the potability of this water will likely be questionable. Therefore, the first response was to design a water filtration system, ensuring that the water used during the growth stages was safe, clean and sterile.

This was important to highlight at the beginning due to the Mycelium’s need for sterile growth conditions. Proposed is a water tower which filters water by aerating it before naturally before secondary filtering. After this the water will be used to ensure a humid underground environment as well as servicing the secondary spaces in the network. The coffee ground waste is also processed, pasteurising the organic material to remove any organisms that could compete against the Mycelium, preventing optimum inoculation. Post inoculation, the Mycelium/substrate mixture is placed in formwork before being stored underground in the disused railway tunnels to grow for a period of 2-3 weeks. The Material Processing Centre provides a space for movement of materials and access into the tunnels from above ground. The former Botanic Gardens Railway Station acts as the link between the growing stages underground and the

secondary processes above ground. In conjunction, the proximity of The River Kelvin to the site provides an opportunity for the energy in the river current to be harnessed for Hydropower. The power station located at the south-east end of the tunnel generates electricity before being sent throughout the production line. After the prefabricated Mycelium construction materials are fully grown and ready for use, they are baked in a similar process to clay bricks, preventing any further microorganism growth. The materials are then brought above ground and processed into fabricated building materials before being distributed to site from the pop-up Dispersal Centre, possibly using drone technology.

Bokashi Digestor Pods are used to close the loop of the process, sent to demolition sites where organic material is being disposed of (including Mycelium), allowing the material to decompose and be brought back to the beginning on the process and again combined with more coffee waste. This process ensures the potential future use of the material and embodied energy is used to its full value. The Digestors are based on an origami structure which expands upwards as the material is disposed inside it. Once full, these Bokashi Digestors bring the material back to the production line, reinstating the composted material within the growth process.

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