5 key facts about this project
"Blooming in Darkness" is set in the Sansusi Music Festival Food Court and explores the relationship between nature and community. The design centers on mushrooms, using their lifecycle to guide both form and function. It emphasizes how architecture can interact with the environment, creating an inviting space for festival attendees while also showcasing ecological principles.
Core Concepts
The design uses mycelium, which is the root system of mushrooms, to connect architecture with the natural world. The project begins with the construction of frames that mimic the shapes of mushrooms, providing both support and a foundational concept for the food court. As time passes, the growing mushrooms show a shift from a fixed structure to a living, breathing entity that changes in response to its surroundings.
Spatial Organization
Inside "Blooming in Darkness," the layout promotes engagement and community. Key elements like the fairy circle, sunny core, and richest root system are intentionally placed to create areas for sitting, eating, and vendor activities. This design allows visitors to move freely, fostering a sense of togetherness while offering both public and private spaces for users to enjoy.
Environmental Considerations
Sustainability is a primary focus, clearly seen in the choice of materials. The use of biodegradable bricks indicates a strong intention to reduce environmental impact. Living mycelium bricks add another layer of innovation, allowing the building to adapt and grow in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem, thereby reinforcing the connection to nature.
Design Detail
The project also includes ideas for healing the surrounding forest, emphasizing a vision for balanced coexistence with nature. A noteworthy aspect of the design is the depiction of mushrooms that sag under their own weight, illustrating the relationship between architecture and its environment as it matures over time. This feature highlights both the beauty and vulnerability of living architecture, making a statement about growth and change.
