Fin - Tech

The Mycelial Ritual

Finlay Aitken Technical Dissertation

BSC Architecture Design And Technology

BARC0109

Tutors

Daniel Wilkinson

Ifigeneia Liangi Martin Reynolds

Abstract

The Project is located just outside the urban fabric of Berlin, on the bank of Lake Schlachtensee. The lakes of Berlin serve as an eclectic gathering space which bring together the various peoples of the city. The psychedelic programme of the building mirrors the function of the lake; just as Schlachtensee serves as a change of scene from the bustle of everyday life, so too does the building offer a bespoke journey away from standard consciousness.

The primary occupation of the building takes the form of a three day ritual which is undertaken by a willing participant. This three day ritual serves to optimise and enhance the psychedelic experience by applying principals set out by both official and underground examples of psychedelic therapy. Secondarily, the building accommodates the growth and research of psychedelic mushrooms. The building gives agency to both the participant and the mushrooms alike in order to establish a respect and understanding for the medicine and thus improve and deepen the trip.

The mushrooms inform the building design on both a conceptual and practical level. Conceptually, the building mirrors the mushroom’s growth cycle through the embodiment of change and transformation. Simultaneously, the building uses the material and structural qualities of mycelium (the precursor to the fruiting mushroom) to create spaces which are appropriate and optimal for a positive psychedelic trip.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Programme

The primary programme of the building is a psychedelic Therapy centre. Secondarily the building facilitates psychedelic research and mushroom growing. Broadly speaking, the building exists in two parts: The above ground research and accommodation spaces and the semi subterranean ritualistic spaces of mushroom growth and psychedelic trips.

Informed by the mushroom both formally and figuratively as a sacred medicine, the building will act as a vessel for controlling and propagating psychedelic mushrooms. The conditions necessary for growing mushrooms will overlap with the ritualistic procession through he building thus augmenting the experience of the user.

The Functionality of the building is based around a three day ritual which culminates with the actual psychedelic trip at the end of the second day. Prior to the trip a trusting and friendly relationship is established between the Guide and the participant. Subsequent to the trip, the guide will help make sense of the lessons brought on by the medicine and attempt to integrate them with everyday life.

Figure 5.1

Participant on guided trip at Johns Hopkins University

The Ritual

8 weeks prior to participant arrival - mushrooms are planted

Day 1

1100 - participant travels to site

1200 - meeting the guide

1300 - lunch

1800 - dinner

2100 - sleep

Day 2

0800 - wake

0900 - breakfast

1000 - begin walk

1300 - arrive back at building

1400 - preparations begin on ceremony

1500 - mushrooms are ingested and trip begins

2100 - trip ends

2200 - sleep

Day 3

0900 - wake

1000 - breakfast

1200 - participant leaves

Timeline of ritual through building

Historical Use of Psychedelics

The use of psychedelics can be traced back to 9000BC where the earliest cave paintings of what historians believe to be a psychedelic shaman were drawn.

Throughout history psychedelic have been used by almost every culture on earth whether recreationally or medicinally. This was true of the West until the 1960s, when psychedelic substances were categorised as a schedule one drug. It is only in recent years that Western culture has begun to, yet again, explore and research the mystical properties of these chemicals.

Figure 7.1

Authors Own - Historical timeline of psychedelic use

Project 1 attempted to take various cultural approaches to psychedelia and combine them with individual description of psychedelic trips in order to build an architectural language. The project critiqued the western approach towards psychedelics in the 1960’s and the over zealous and uncontrolled application of these medicines. The project was largely informed by cultures who have consistently used psychedelic medicines throughout their history and the spatial constructions that they have created in order to facilitate psychedelic experiences.

The Prototype for the Psychedelic Renaissance

Main space of project 1

Telluric gnome reified psychedelic imagery

Short Section of Prooject1

Johns Hopkins As A Programmatic Precedent

This project takes many programmatic cues from Johns Hopkins Centre For Psychedelic Research due to the fact that it currently serves as the most established example of a facility that specifically studies psychedelic experiences. In addition to official precedents, the project is also informed by journalistic descriptions of underground guided ceremonies. The underground practices offer insight into a much larger set of data regarding psychedelic experiences which are more focused on personal and intimate aspects of ritual psychedelia. In conjunction, these two sources offer a set of rules which are both legitimate and functional for the programme.

Elements taken from Hopkins include the multiprogrammed use of space which combines both research and the psychedelic experience whilst the underground accounts offer various ritual elements which supposedly augment and improve mental states during psychedelic trips.

Ritualistic space ending at tripping Room

Normative Upper levels for Accommodation

Research spaces / outdoor lecture theatre

Programmatic diagram of Johns Hopkins and Underground Guided trips

Diagrammatic plan outlining programme

Initial Fluid Experimentation

The narrative of the project hinges around the dichotomy of the controlled (research and medicinal applications of psychedelics) and the uncontrolled (The natural and organic influence and conditions of the mushrooms). To begin testing this tension, initial tests with fluid simulations were done to achieve a basic design language. These tests consisted of pushing simulated fluid through rigid bodies such that one may begin to control the unpredictable. Although simple in nature, these tests acted as a useful starting point for building a visual palette.

Fluid test of smoke being pushed through perforated surface

Fluid test aiming to build a controlled corridor from simulated smoke

Intuitive Drawing informed by fluid tests with the intention of developing and architectural language

Site - Schlachtensee, Berlin, Germany

Schlachtensee Lake lies only a few kilometres outside the main urban fabric of Berlin. Due to its location, Schlachtensee is extremely popular for both tourists and locals alike as it offers a space which is separate from the busy streets of the inner city whilst also remaining extremely accessible. This is ideal for the programmatic needs of the building which require privacy and peace of mind in addition to ease of access for anyone who wishes to endeavour on a psychedelic voyage.

Figure 12.1

Render of view out S1 train window on way to site

S1 Train doors opening

Figure 13.1

Figure 13.2

Figure 13.3

1:50,000 Map of Greater Berlin

1:10,000 Map of Grünewald Lake Chain

1:1,000 Map of Schlachtensee Lake

Seasonal Changes on Site

The site changes drastically throughout the year due to the dynamic climate of Northern Germany. In summer, the site is lush with vegetation and full of people who regularly swim in the lake’s warm water. During Winter however, the lake freezes over and is often used for ice skating. Despite the changes in weather, the lake constantly sees many visitors both from Berlin and abroad.

Schlachtensee Summer Schlachtensee Winter

Render of site in early Winter

Figure 14.1

Figure 14.2

Figure 14.3

The Site’s Relationship to Berlin

The site lies around 9km from the city centre and is primarily accessible by the S1 Overground Train. The station is located only 150m away from the building thus meaning that it is accessible from anywhere in the city by only one mode of transport. The city itself is comprised of many different sects and ethnic groups which are each broadly separated into urban regions. The site, however, acts as an eclectic gathering space which is frequented by the entire population of the city. This, again, is in alignment with the programme which seeks to allow the largest cross section of the general population the ability to safely take psychedelic substances.

Site map 1:1000 at A3

Population Density map of Berlin

Figure 15.1

Site

Schlachtensee Lake is part of the Grünewald chain of lakes which run North to South on the Western side of Berlin. Spanning these lakes is Grünewald Forest within which the building is located. The forest is primarily made up of pine trees which largely characterise the site and its surrounding area. In addition to other species of tree, many other things grow and live in the forest such as a large variety of birds and also many species of mushroom. Typically the local mushrooms are largely non psychedelic though occasionally it is possible to find a select few species of psilocybin mushrooms in Grünewald.

Pine 52%

Oak 22%

Birch 10%

Red Oak 5%

Flora and Fauna

Juda’s Ear Fungus

Chanterelle Hooded Toadstool Candlesnuff Fungus Psilocybe Semilanceata

Chicken of the Woods

Figure 16.1

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Figure 16.5

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Figure 16.4

Figure 16.2

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Figure 16.11

Figure 16.12 1:500 Site map

Felled trees due to site excavation and building construction

Types of mushroom around site

Greylag Mute Swan

Common Raven House Martin

Mandarin Duck Mallard

Red Crested Pochard Buzzard

Sunlight on Site

The site receives a lot of sun throughout the year, though the tall pine trees offer a great deal of shade which is necessary during summer months when temperatures commonly climb to above 30 Degrees. The building is slightly elevated from the lake which gives it access to a higher amount of light. This is augmented by the design of the building itself which has large vertical light wells in order to catch light from above the treeline. The conditions necessary for efficiently growing psychedelic mushrooms require low levels of light which is the reason for the semi subterranean layout of the mushroom growing spaces. 19th April is an important date for the psychedelic community and as such, Parts of the building will be oriented to receive midday light on this date.

Summer Solstice Sunlight Renders

Figure 17.1

Sun path diagram on topographical site map

Site section with April 19th sun angle

Climate and Weather

Berlin typically receives wind form the South-West yet, due to both the vast number of trees which act as a windbreak and the orientation of the lake which funnels incoming wind, The prevailing direction of airflow to the building is from the North East. This directional wind will be used to provide passive ventilation. The climate of Berlin is temperate making it unideal for mushroom growth which relies on steady and consistent levels of humidity and temperature. To counteract this, large thermal masses will be implemented in order to stabilize the internal environment of the building. Rainfall on site is moderate with an average of 16 days of rainfall per month. Mushrooms favour humid environments which would be problematic during the more dry months such as February and October were it not for the lake which raises the humidity of the micro-climate on site.

Figure 18.1

Figure 18.2

Precipitation and wind speed graphs (MeteoBlue)

Wind Rose on Site

Min Max temperature graph (MeteoBlue)

Schlachtensee is considered to be the cleanest of the Berlin lakes due to the natural filtration of water as it runs South from Wansee and other Grünewald chain Lakes. The temperature of the lake water varies greatly throughout the year from as low as 3 Degrees C in Winter to a comfortable 24 during summer. Many species of fish live within the lake and as such many people come to fish. Interestingly, the oldest structure at the lake is a fisherman’s hut which is around 300 years old and is now a historical landmark. Since the growing of mushrooms requires a lot of water from start to finish, the lake water will be utilised throughout the building.

Water and the Lake

Figure 19.1

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Figure 19.2

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Figure 19.3

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Figure 19.4

Water Temperature Diagram

Historical Fisherhut on Site

Grünewald Lake Chain Catfish Zander

Perch Fish Common Carp Eel

Pike

Diagrammatic Plan of Building Layout

2.0 INITIAL PROGRAMMATIC RESEARCH

The Hy-Fi pavilion was designed and built in 2014 by the firm ‘The Living’ in an effort to demonstrate the capabilities of organic and compostable building materials. The structure is made up of a Large timber frame which supports over 10,000 bricks made from mycelium. These bricks are fabricated in premade moulds which shape chopped corn stalks that have been inoculated with Oyster Mushroom Mycelium. The mycelium is heated and dried before construction to prevent further growth after they have been assembled. The mycelium is fully waterproof and can be disassembled and left to quickly decompose after the lifespan of the pavilion.

Design Precedent - Compostable Hy-Fi Pavilion

Figure 23.1

Figure 23.2

Hy-Fi Pavilion Internal View

Hy-Fi Pavilion External View

Growing Pavilion (Krown Design) is similarly constructed with a timber framework that is clad in mycelium. This example, however utilises large precast mycelium panels which intentionally are left to show the organic marks of growth. This system uses mycelium both as a structural and visual element within the building. Plywood panels are grown into the mycelium in order to allow for screwable assembly as mycelium cannot bite to screws on its own. The strain of mushroom spore used for this mycelium is also Oyster due to its veracious and quick grow time.

Plywood fixed to Panels

Side plywood braces Primary

Design Precedent - The Growing Pavilion

Figure 24.1

Figure 24.2

Precast Mycelium

Growing Pavilion Internal View Growing Pavilion External View

timber joists

Screw Fixings

Precast Vs Grow in Place Mycelium

Mycelium can be both precast (as shown in previous pages) and grown in place. Precast mycelium allows for extremely specific shapes to be formed in order to achieve either structural or aesthetic qualities whilst grow in place mycelium reduces construction time and cost. Both methods will be used in the project to satisfy specific visual and environmental criteria. Since grow in place mycelium doesn’t require drying, it can continue growing throughout the lifespan of the building.

Pasteurization vs Sterilization of Substrate

When access to a controlled environment is possible sterilization of a substrate is usually preferable. This gives the most ample results for mycelium cultivation as it creates an environment with no competing organisms. When grown in place, however, This control is not always possible and as such pasteurization (usually by boiling the substrate in water for 1 hour) is desirable as it builds a micro ecosystem which is robust and which supports the growth of mycelium despite suboptimal conditions.

Figure 25.1

Figure 25.2

Figure 25.3

Figure 25.4

Shell Mycelium Installation External View - Asif Rahman

Shell Mycelium Installation - Example of ‘Grow in Place’ mycelium construction

Myco Tree Installation - Example of precast mycelium construction

Myco Tree Installation - Dirk Hebel

Pasteurised substrate with initial mycelium growth - Authors Own

Myco Tree Installation formwork - Dowels and Fixings Are Grown into the Mycelium

Design Precedent - MYCOsella Chair and Furniture

MYCOsella chair by Natalia Poirecka is a research project which sought to test the structural limits of pure mycelium in construction. The centerpiece of the project is a full mycelium chair which can support the load of a user. To achieve this, many different substrates needed to be tested in order to establish a perfect equilibrium between density of substrate and necessary airflow for feeding the spores. The chair took a month to fully cultivate with mycelium before being dried and treated to prevent further growth.

Figure 26.1

Figure 26.2

Figure 26.3

Mycelium Furniture - N Poirecka

MYCOsella first attempt cast- N Poirecka

Growing Mushrooms in Logs

Certain species of mushroom can grow within the fibres of trees and feed on lignins. A single log has enough food for a potential five years of fruiting yield. To prepare freshly cut wood for mushroom growth, one must first seal the cut ends with wax to preserve moisture content. Additionally the log must be pasteurized in boiling water in order to kill any competing fungus or bacteria. Typically the species of mushroom which grow in trees and log require a longer incubation time before actual fruiting. Hardwoods are desirable for optimal growth and as such the Oak and Pine trees on site can be used for this purpose.

Stage 1 - Sealing log with waxing order to retain moisture

Stage 2 - Drilling hole for inoculated dowel

Stage 3 - Inserting dowel into log

Stage 4 - Plugging top of hole to seal dowel

Stage 5 - Mushrooms will grow from locations where dowels have been inserted

Figure 27.1 Mushrooms growing in log

Log Growing diagram

Festival Drug Safe Spaces

One of the most prominent locations for psychedelic use are festivals. Generally speaking these spaces are not conducive to a positive trip due to the high amount of external inputs and stimulants that a user may experience. To counteract this, Zendo project has designed a reproducible structure that can be constructed with minimal effort in festival which gives a quiet and safe reprise from a festival in order to calm down a person on a bad trip. The design uses cardboard as sonic insulation and to also provide privacy and shade from the sun.

Figure 28.1

Figure 28.2

Figure 27.3

Drug Safe Space - Zendo Design Group

Drug Safe Space - Zendo Design Group

Safe space section - Authors Own

Substrate: Vermiculite

Colonization time: 8-15 days

Colonization temperature: 28 - 30 Celsius

Fruiting temperature: 23 – 26 Celsius

Light : Darkness

Pinhead Formation

Temperature: 20-22 °C

Humidity: 95-100%

Time Needed: 3-5 days

Light Indirect Sunlight

Fruiting Stage

Temperature: 20-22 °C

Humidity: 95-100%

Time Needed 4-6 days

Light : Indirect Sunlight

Most strains of psychedelic mushroom require specific growing climates. The growth cycle of cubensis B mushrooms (The psychedelic strain that will be grown within the building) can be broadly broken down into three stages. These are Inoculation/colonisation, Pinhead formation and fruiting. Overall the process from start to finish lasts around 6-7 weeks with the final 2 week stage being repeatable around 3 times for multiple yields.

This Graph shows the necessary environmental changes that the three stages of mushroom growth require. The inoculation and colonisation stage is the longest and requires the highest levels of humidity and temperature. The subsequent stages introduce fresh airflow and indirect light for the most efficient grow time.

Graph of temperature and humidity necessary for mushroom growth - Authors Own

Growing Cubensis B Mushrooms

Inoculation / Mycelium Colonisation Pinhead Formation Fruiting Stage

Growing Cubensis B Mushrooms 2

The process of growing Cubensis B mushrooms is relatively easy and requires little effort past the initial inoculation. To begin with, the substrate of vermiculite is sterilised. Subsequently, mushroom spores are added and mixed with the sterilized substrate. Spores can be obtained externally or harvested from previous yields and diluted in distilled water. This mixture will then be sealed in an almost airtight container (usually a sterile plastic bag when grown on a small scale) and left for 3-4 weeks until the mycelium is fully colonised. After this period fresh airflow is added to the ‘cake’ which encourages fruiting. Over the next 3 weeks mushrooms will grow and are ready to be picked. .

Figure 30.1

Figure 30.2

Figure 30.3

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Figure 30.6

Stage 1 - Sterilising the substrate and utensils that will be used during the process and inoculating substrate with spawn

Stage 2 - Placing ‘cake’ in suitable container to restrict airflow for cultivation stage

Stage 3 - 3 weeks later mycelium has fully colonised the ‘cake’ and is introduces to fresh air

Stage 4 - first yield of fruiting mushrooms ready to be picked by twisting and not cutting

Stage 5 - rehydrating the substrate by soaking it in distilled water such that it can produce a second yield

Stage 6 - second yield is ready to be picked. After this, one can possibly get a third yield of stage 5 is repeated

Render of dropped spores on display - Authors Own

Images from ‘Mushroom Growing Process From Spores’ Fresh Cultivators

Initial Mycelium Testing

To begin understanding the process of growing mushrooms, initial tests were done with standard straw substrate and oyster mushroom spawn. Pasteurization kills any unwanted bacteria which may be a threat to the mycelium whilst simultaneously adding moisture to the straw. This is essential to create the high humidity environment that is necessary for healthy cultivation. The test took 4 weeks to fully populate with mycelium and a further 2 weeks before the mushrooms began to fruit.

Substrate preparation

Raw straw substrate

1 week of mycelium growth 3 weeks of mycelium growth Fruiting after 5 weeks

Pasteurising Substrate with boiling water for 1 hour

Allowing substrate to cool to room temperature

Cultivation and Fruiting

The first yield of mushrooms was scanned and digitised in order to be used as a basis for building a 3D space. Forms generated by the mushroom growth are thus directly transferred into the design process. The workflow of photogrammetry runs throughout the design process and ensures consistency between the narrative elements of mushroom growth in the building and the visual language of the architecture.

First Yield and Photoscan Workflow

First fruiting mushrooms grown - photographed from above 3d scan of grown mushrooms

Modelling Into Digitised Mushrooms

Initial massing and atmospheric models were made to establish the desired conditions of certain spaces within the ritual. These first models detailed the point at which water flows into the building from the lake in order to brew into mushroom tea. The forms generated by the initial mushroom growing tests form a design language that is carried forward in the project.

Plan view of scanned model which has been worked into with modelled geometry Atmospheric render of water coming into building via scanned mushroom geometry

Making Architectural Models with Mushrooms

Models were made with the mushrooms themselves to better understand the tactility and texture of mycelium/ mushroom fragments. This model was a speculative staircase which would carry the participant from one part of the ritual to the next. This test gave insight into how different architectural fragments might fit together and combine to create moments of ritualistic atmosphere.

Staircase modelled with grown mushrooms

Mushroom stalk balustrade Subsurface scattering qualities of mushroom

Making Architectural Models with Mushrooms 2

The model made with mushrooms was photoscanned to further the process of digital modelling and rendering. This allowed for reframing within the digital space to better represent the desired atmosphere of the building

Picked mushrooms that were grown 3D scan of model made with mushrooms

Testing Different Growing Conditions

Multiple sets of substrate of varying consistency and makeup were prepared to test growing variables. The objective of these tests was to determine whether the size of particulate used as a substrate as well as the addition of other elements such as flour would affect the resulting qualities of mycelium produced.

Stage 1 - pasteurising substrate Stage 2 - cutting substrate to create varying densities of straw

Stage 3 - prepared substrate ready for casting Stage 4 - sterilising containers with boiling water

Testing different Growing Conditions - Results

The conclusion of this set of tests was that the shorter and more dense straw substrate resulted in the quickest yield of mycelium - taking only 4 weeks before fully cultivated. This was followed by the larger straw substrate which grew slower and less fully. It is also noted that the second dense substrate which was left at a lower temperature was considerably slower than the one left in more heat. The addition of flour to the substrate should have supposedly sped up the growing process yet the results from that substrate seemed to indicate the opposite with minimal growth at all. This may be due to contamination of the flower which counteracted the otherwise sterile substrate.

3.0 STRUCTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES

Structural Precedent - Timber Ship Construction

The primary structure of the building is made up of laminated timber elements which are sourced from felled trees on site. In order to create the large light wells methods similar to that of timber ship construction will be used. This is a process of steam bending large timber elements to create a rib structure which is self supporting and relatively lightweight. To further reduce the weight of these structures, the ribs will be further spread apart than those of ships and the spaces will be filled with precast mycelium panels.

Figure 39.1

Figure 39.3

Figure 39.4

Figure 39.2

Steam Bending Timber Boat Construction

Steam Bending Timber Boat Construction

Boat Construction in Shipyard

Heating Strategy

Research has dictated that the optimal conditions for mushroom growth and mycelium cultivation rely on consistent temperatures. To achieve this, a system of underfloor heating in combination with a concrete foundational raft is used to create a large thermal mass which will stabilize the internal temperature within the building. The underfloor heating system is fed by water from the lake and employs the principle of ground source heating. During hot summer months this system can be reversed such that excess heat is absorbed by the underfloor thermal mass and distributed underground. The control that this system offers is essential for creating a space that can vary in temperature according to both the seasons and the stage of growth of mushrooms within the building.

Intake water from lake

Heated water from ground Cooled water

Compressor valve

Evaporation Chamber

Condensation Chamber

Heated Working Fluid

Summer Cooling System Winter Heating System

Cool Working Fluid

Solar Gain

Heat from Ground source

Berlin Glass Recycling

The primary insulating component of the building’s foundation is a layer of crushed glass. This was chosen not only because of its low environmental impact but also due to the specific way that Germany collects glass bottles. It is common in Berlin to see glass bottles placed beside bins rather than in them due to the importance placed on recycling in Germany. Schlachtensee is a popular location for outdoor drinking especially during the summer and as such it accrues a large number of waste glass bottles. These bottles can be directly taken from the perimeter of the lake and crushed on site to efficiently source the necessary materials for primary ground insulation.

Figure 42.1

Figure 42.2

German bin with designated space for separate glass collection

Installing crushed Glass Insulation

Floor and Foundational Buildup

The makeup of the floor is primarily insulating with both a layer of crushed glass and a thick concrete raft which adds thermal mass. The raft is supported by screw pile foundations which add stability to the building while having minimal impact on existing natural root and mycelium structures. These piles are brought to site and easily screwed into place without the need for unnecessary excavation of earth. On top of the concrete is a layer of mycelium which acts as a secondary thermal barrier.

Section of floor with Screw pile Exploded Section of floor buildup Mycelium Growing on timber joist

Mycelium

Humidity Strategy

In addition to high temperatures, high humidity is also necessary for optimal mycelium growth. This is achieved through the use of semi-mechanical humidification. Air intakes are located on the North-East side of the building to best catch prevailing wind. This air is drawn through a wick that is dampened with water (taken from the lake) by the assistance of a low energy fan. The humidified air is then drawn across the necessary spaces in which there is living mycelium by use of the stack effect. This effect is also used on a smaller scale in places where there is a particularly high amount of living mycelium. The intake of fresh air is essential not only for adequate growth but also to provide good ventilation such that the spores dropped by any mushrooms won’t linger in the air which sometimes causes uncomfortable breathing.

Wind flow adding to stack effect

Diagram of Humidification System

Plan Diagram of Prevailing Wind Intake

Informed by laminar flow hoods which are a commonly used apparatus when growing mushrooms, this container is designed to provide humid and filtered pure air to the Cubensis B psilocybin mushrooms. This top section is designed to be lifted when mushrooms are being picked and to lower the humidity in accordance with the stage of the growth cycle of the mushrooms. Air is pumped from submerged tubes through a tank of distilled water which then flows through air intakes which bring this humidified air through a filter before reaching the mushrooms. The filters are designed to be replaceable when necessary. Air outlets on the top of the container are toggleable to provide further control to the internal environment.

Mushroom Growing Vessel

Detail Section of Mushroom Growing Vessel

Detail Axo Section of Internal Airways

Laminar Flow Hood Diagram

Figure 45.1

Figure 45.1

Before consumption, The water from the lake must be property filtered and treated. This is done through a series of processes which separate sediment from the water before it is filtered through sand and active charcoal and finally purified with UV light. Furthermore the water will be boiled during the process of brewing the mushroom tea which will provide further purification of the water

Water Filtration Strategy

Figure 46.1

Figure 46.1

Construction Sequence

The construction of the building will begin with excavation of the necessary site before foundations are screwed and cast into place. Next, the timber framework of the building will be erected and the prefabricated lightwell elements will be lowered into place. The final stage of construction will consist of installing precast mycelium panels and inoculating any grow in place mycelium within the building.

Stage 1 - Existing Site with necessary trees felled

Stage 4 - Timber framework erected

Prefabricated Timber Shell Transportation to site

Stage 2 - Excavation of site

Stage 5 - Prefabricated structures installed

Stage 3 - Screw piles installed and foundation built

Stage 6 - Interior mycelium panels and furnishing added

Growing Cordyceps to Fight the German Bark Beetle

In recent years there has been a large increase of the number of spruce and pine trees dying due to a species of beetle native to Germany. These beetles feed on the bark of trees thus causing them to eventually die. A possible solution to this problem is the cultivation of cordycep fungus which is specifically crossbred to both attract and subsequently kill the beetle. When an insect feeds on this fungus, they unknowingly begin to act as a substrate for the cordycep mycelium which eventually kills them. These mushrooms can hypothetically be cultivated within the building and used to control the population of the beetle

Figure 48.1

Figure 48.2

Article describing the negative impact of the bark beetle - Forestry Journal

Mushrooms growing from an ant that consumed cordyceps

4.0 - THE RITUAL

Entering The Living Ritual

Corridor to the Ritual

The first contact that the participant has with the building is the narrow corridor which leads to the main mushroom growing space. The right hand wall is made from various books which pertain to psychedelia and which have been inoculated with mushroom spores. These books therefore merge into a homogeneous mycelium wall providing sonic insulation to the research space deeper within the building. On the left, mycelium is grown around sealed sections of trees that were felled during the excavation of the site.

Close detail of entrance corridor Figure 52.1

Figure 52.1

Atmospherically, This corridor serves to introduce the participant to the ritual and give the impression that the mushrooms have agency and authority within the programme.

Corridor to the Ritual

Atmospheric Render of Ritual Entrance

Growing Mushrooms in Books

To test the potential ability to grow mycelium/mushrooms in books I used principals established through previous tests to inform the process of inoculation. I began by boiling the book to pasteurize the pages thus creating a suitable growing environment. Pages were then filled with mycelium rich rye seeds before sealing the book in a sterile growing bag. Surprisingly, the book was the fastest growing mycelium out of all previous tests and was quick to fruit mushrooms.

Book before inoculation 2 Weeks of growth

5 Weeks of growth

Designing a Wall of Books

The method used for attaching the books to the timber studs is a series of dowelled wooden elements which clamp on the inoculated books and then fix into pre drilled holes in the timber. These clamping elements would be boiled before installation in order to pasteurize them and encourage mycelium to spread between the books. Over time, the wall would become completely covered in mycelium and the joints would be almost completely obscured

Speculative render of book wall after initial installation

Speculative render of book wall one month after growth

Designing a Wall of Books

Iterating on the previous design, this second clamping design is similar in principle but refines the properties of the joints to better encourage mycelium growth. By creating a more perforated surface and by using only one joint at every corner intersection. these joints should theoretically allow for better growth and adherence of the mycelium.

Speculative render of book wall after initial installation

Speculative render of book wall one month after growth

Isometric drawing of books joined to wall

Space between the two layers of books allows for fresh air ventilation to encourage mycelium growth

Figure 56.1

Figure 56.1 /56.2

Figure 56.2

Variable heating element allows for precise growing conditions

Cordycep Growing Spaces

In the research space of the building, hatches open to cubby holes which are accessible for the researchers such that they can cultivate and grow cordycep mushrooms to fight the German bark beetle. The platform on which the mushrooms are placed is retractable such that the fungus can be monitored and maintained by the researchers. Covering the mushrooms from the outside are segments of spruce bark which will attract the beetle.

Detail of cordycep growing chamber

Figure 57.1

Figure 57.1

Picking The Mushrooms

The largest space in the building is that in which the psychedelic mushrooms are growing. Visually this mirrors the action of growth as the building itself emerges from the subterrain. As previously mentioned, the primary structural element of this space is the dual ribbed lightwell which provides both stack ventilation and indirect sunlighting.

Structural Detail - Mushroom Growing Space

Detail of Mushroom Growing Space

The larger light wells are made up of two separate rib structures. The outer structure is heavier and provides the majority of the support whilst the inner structure serves as an attachment frame for precast mycelium panels. The air gap between these two shells provides insulation which, in combination with the insulating properties of mycelium, allows for an efficient thermal envelope.

Double Shell Structure

Exploded Axo of Light Well Structure

Formwork

Side braces Mycelium

Convex formwork Concave formwork

Joining Dowels Mycelium

Plywood structural panel grown into mycelium

Attachment Dowels Grown into substrate

Mycelium Panel

Figure 60.1

Figure 60.1

Structural Detail - Top of The Rib Structure

Near the top of the rib structure an air vent allows for hot air to be extracted by means of the stack effect. This air is channelled through the gap between the ribs and out through an opening. Purlins are used to give further structural support to the ribbed shell.

Sectional detail of rib structure joint

Double Glazing Fixed With Waterproof Sealant

Figure 61.1

Figure 61.1

The second step of the ritual is the participant choosing and picking the mushrooms that they will consume. This is done at the previously detailed mushroom growing vessel. The humidity and high temperature of this space is felt by the participant and thus strengthens the connection between them and the medicine.

Detail - Mushroom Picking

Sectional Detail of Mushroom Growing Space Figure 62.1

Figure 62.1

The rib structure is supported primarily by laminated timber beams which run vertically and horizontally throughout the building. The structure is joined primarily with dowling which is drilled and installed in place during construction. This allows for a margin of error between the prefabricated elements and the on site framework.

Mycelium block insulation is installed between structural elements of the ribbed shell to provide further insulation and environmental control. These blocks can be grown in place to ensure that there are no air gaps.

Structural Detail - Timber Joint

Figure 63.1

Figure 64.2

Sectional detail of rib structure joint

Mycelium insulated tiny house - Ecovative

Mycelium insulation - Ecovative

Figure 63.3

Figure 63.3

Sacrifice / Feeding The Building

Sacrifice and feeding the Building

On day 2 of the ritual, the participant goes on a walk with the guide to establish any uncertainties or anxieties that they might have about the upcoming trip. On this walk around the lake, the participant is encouraged to find an item from the forest which will be offered to the building as a sacrifice before the trip. These items will feed the living mycelium within the building and over time, will allow forms within the building to grow and evolve. This process both adds to the ritualistic nature of the experience whilst also allowing for a register of the buildings history and use.

Programmatic Diagram of Sacrificial Items Feeding the Building

Growing Mycelium Around Found Sacrificial Items / Mycelium Ladle

To simulate this stage of the ritual I went on a walk to obtain natural found items with which to grow mycelium around. These were then boiled and pasteurized before being lashed together with wire to form a desired substructure. This was then placed in a sterile growing bag which was filled with substrate and formed with tension similar to techniques of fabric formwork casting. The objective of this test was to establish a language on two scales as the grown object acts as a ladle for serving mushroom tea whilst also evoking large scale architectural gestures.

Finding items to sacrifice

Constructing and tension formwork casting

Test in cast

Pasteurisation

Preparation

Lashing Lashing Casting

Close images of mycelium growth on test

Test out of cast

These renders show the model at a 1:1 scale with reality and present the function of the model as the ladle which will be used by the guide to serve mushroom tea to the participant.

Mycelium Ladle

Renders of ladle with steam

Renders of ladle Figure 67.1

Figure 67.1

Growing Wall / Sacrifice

Informed by accounts of underground guided ceremonies, it is common for the participant to leave an item as a gesture of sacrifice. Psychologically this deepens the meaning of the trip. The building will take these sacrifices in such a way as to evoke the sense that the participant is feeding the building. The growing wall will ‘absorb’ the found items which mycelium will eventually break down and use for food.

Initial mycelium

1 week of growth

1 month of growth

3 months of growth

1 year of growth

Overlayed

stages of wall growth

Render of sacrificial wall

Structural Detail - Growing Wall

To mirror the found items on a larger scale, a large section of a tree will be put in place as the primary structure for the initial mycelium mass. A small amount of daylight will be let in through a window in the facade in order to increase the temperature on the hidden side of the mycelium. The balustrade will encourage outward mycelium growth and provide a more rigid structure in addition to the found items brought by participants.

Sectional Detail of Growing Wall Figure 69.1

Figure 69.1

A small channel of water is passed under the growing mycelium to increase local humidity. Hot air from the underfloor heating system will draw humid air upwards and across the surface of the fungus. The Growing wall will not only serve as a visual element of the ritual but will also aid in the insulation of the interior space by providing further thickness to the walls of the building.

Structural Detail - Growing Wall

Sectional Detail of Growing Wall Figure 70.1

Figure 70.1

Brewing the Tea

The tea is boiled over a small wood burning stove. Exhaust from the stove is brought upwards through tubes and is discharged from openings in the upper shell. This space marks the end of the conscious ritual as the participant ingests the tea and as such, a cast mycelium staircase visually draws the participant upwards to the next stage of the ritual.

Sectional Detail of Brewing space

Figure 72.1

Figure 72.1

Test - 3D Printed Mycelium Formwork

To test the capabilities of mycelium casting with complex shapes, a balustrade was modelled in negative and printed with the intention to cast mycelium substrate. This test was mostly unsuccessful and would have benefited from longer time for the mycelium to fully cultivate. The limited scale of the test was also limiting in the sense that the straw substrate was not able to fully compress into the mould. Despite this, the test did yield some interesting forms and worked as expected though with unsatisfactory execution. The model was useful, however, once scanned.

4 Part Cast for Mycelium Balustrade Mycelium Growing through gaps in formwork

Formwork Before Removal

Formwork During Removal

Cast After Formwork is Removed

Digitising the Cast

After photo scanning the test, I was able to slightly alter failed geometries of the test while retaining the overall structure and makeup of the balustrade. This allowed the test to actually indicate valid materiality and spatiality.

Scanned mycelium cast

Scanned mycelium cast

Speculative render describing the cast forms of the test as implemented in a staircase balustrade.

Mycelium Balustrade and Staircase

Cast implemented as balustrade

Cast implemented as balustrade

Extending The Forrest / Architecturalising The Eye Mask

Extending The Forest

Initial design for the corridor leading to the final stage of the ritual. This is made up from replaceable timber logs which are cut from the surrounding site. These logs are then inoculated with spores such that they grow mushrooms.

Since the logs only provide enough food for five years of mushroom cultivation these components are designed to rotate and allow for replacements to be brought in when needed.

Render of corridor of inoculated logs

Axonometric detail of replaceable logs Figure 77.1

Figure 77.1

Textural and Visual Qualities of Mushrooms

The corridor is designed with the intention to extend the forest and make the participant aware of the natural qualities of the site. The compressed nature of the space and the proximity to the delicate mushrooms will encourage the participant to slow down and be gentle thus setting up a good mindset for the oncoming trip

Render of corridor of inoculated logs

Iterating on the previous design to better exemplify the natural qualities of the forest through use of natural cut trees. Overlapping walls build a sense of anticipation and continuation of space towards the final room. By obscuring the final destination the space is also mimicking the effects of the eye mask which is worn during a guided trip which is meant to focus the participant inwards.

Architecturalising The Eyemask

Extended forest corridor looking towards trip room

Architecturalising The Eyemask

Plan and section showing the route through the corridor and its relation to the water on site. The walls act as a register of the waterline with the first being at the lake’s highpoint and the second corresponding with the low point. This furthers the connection to the site, increasing the participant’s awareness of the forest and lake.

Figure 80.1

Figure 80.2

Figure 80.2

Psychedelic participant with eyemask at Johns Hopkins

THE TRIP

The Trip

The trip happens primarily within the mind of the participant and the trip room itself serves to mainly insulate the experience. The multitude of mycelium panels act as a sonic block to make the space more intimate and quiet. Additionally the bed which the participant occupies is at the low point of the room, furthering the feeling of depth and privacy. Soft , warm lighting is emitted from a chamber at the top of the room such that it is not directly illuminating the participant and instead causes the rooms itself to glow from the outside.

Sectional Detail of Trip Room

Contact High

Deep openings in the facade allow light to flow over the forest. Since the trip happens at night time, the site is illuminated by the psychedelic glow of the trip room giving a ‘contact high’ to onlooking third parties. This serves to poetically distribute the psychedelic nature of the ritual thus furthering the programmatic intention of the building.

Speculative render of psychedelic emission onto site

Plan and Roof Plan of Trip Room

The primary technical aim of this project was to establish a balance of agency within the building between both the participant and the mushroom and to combine each of their programmatic needs in such a way as to augment both the ritual and the mushroom’s propagation.

Through various testing and research I have been able to establish a set of design rules which can be applied to mycelium construction such that it furthers the ritualistic and psychological nature of the psychedelic trip within the building. This was primarily achieved by way of photogrammetry which allowed for practical tests to be atmospherically scrutinised against the criteria of the ritual. The process of digitising the models became a methodology in its own right as what were once previously 1:1 scale models are mirrored and reinterpreted to fit building scale design decisions. In turn, ritualistic activities established in the report such as the sacrificial growing wall now give agency back to the mushroom as the participant feeds the building and furthers the mycelial growth. Tests such as the mushroom book offered new insights into the tactile and textural potential of mycelium/mushrooms and have gone on to clearly influence the ongoing design of the building whether literally (as with the wall of mycelial books) or on a more figurative level.

Through the process of detailing the building in an effort to create a suitable climate for mushroom growth, a design language has emerged which strikes an equilibrium between the controlled timber structure and the unpredictable growth of mycelium. These architectural forces work in tandem to build the feeling of one foot in the real and one foot in the magical and have dramatically heightened the resolution of the design and set a foundation for further moves.

Ideally, if there were more time, I would like to have attempted larger scale mycelium casts and to begin making 1:1 fragments of the building with plywood formwork. Though the digitised models provide visual clarity, the smells, tastes and textures of intractable, human scale models would provide a greater depth of understanding as to the experiential consequences of mycelium and mushrooms.

Bibliography

Images

Figure 5.1 - Johns Hopkins Centre for Psychedelic Research, About, https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/

Figure 7.1 - (left to right on timeline)

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Figure 12.1 - Google Earth, Schlachtensee

Figure 13.1,13.2,13.3 - As Above

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Figure 42.1 Dispatched Europe, How Berlin helps the homeless in creative ways that actually work, https://dispatcheseurope.com/meda-harsan-how-berlin-helps-the-homeless-in-creative-ways-that-actually-work/

Figure 42.2 BerNews, Recycled glass used as construction Material, https://bernews.com/2012/08/recycled-glass-used-as-construction-material/

Figure 48.1 - Science photo Library, Cordyceps fungus growing on an ant, https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/591046/view/cordyceps-fungus-growing-on-an-ant

Figure 48.2 - Forestry journal, Spruce bark beetle’s devastating impact on German forests, https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/features/18766981.fighting-losing-battle/

Figure 63.1, 63.2 - InHabitat, Tiny House Made of Mushrooms is Now Complete, https://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-house-made-of-mushrooms-being-grown-in-new-york/

Figure 80.1 - Johns Hopkins Centre for Psychedelic Research, About, https://hopkinspsychedelic.org/

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