IABR x AFFR - Building with Mycelium: Towards the Symbiocene?

Are we heading towards the Symbiocene? After a decades-long Anthropocene, in which humans exerted a disastrous influence on the earth and climate, more and more movements are seeking a holistic relationship with nature. Regenerative design should be the standard, in which innovative materials like mycelium play a key role. Mycelium consists of a network of hyphae. It is sustainable, biodegradable and can be used as a structural, heat-insulating and sound-insulating material. Mycelium offers hope for an architecture that seeks a symbiotic relationship with nature.  

This afternoon, organized in collaboration with AFFR, features a screening of the documentary In Vivo, which portrays the young architecture collective Bento as they build the Belgian pavilion with mycelium at the Venice Biennale 2023. The film is followed by an in-depth discussion about the role of designers, biobased materials and their users in relation to the Symbiocene. 

Speakers

  • Corentin Dalon is co-founder of Bento, a Brussels architectural office, which has developed expertise in organic and geo-sourced materials. 

  • An Kramer is a changemaker, writer and consultant.  In her latest book, Ben jij al activist? (Are you an activist yet?), she challenges professionals to become active changemakers, regardless of their position or role. 

  • Catinca Tilea is a Rotterdam based artist and designer. Since 2018 Tilea experiments with biotechnology as tool for redefining our relationship with nature. 

Check the recording:
Part I: Videorecording
Part II: Videorecording

The spoken language is English.

Tickets are €10 / €6.

Please note that a ticket for the event does not give access to the exhibition. Tickets for the Nature of Hope exhibition can be purchased via this link.

In Vivo. Photo: Les Delires Productions / Mister Emma