MushLume Rethinks Material Approach Inside MADE: Bush Terminal
The rejuvenation of MADE: Bush Terminal in Sunset Park, Brooklyn is not just a nod to its historic roots, but a commitment to fostering innovation. Within this vibrant space, MushLume, a pioneering studio, is pushing the boundaries of sustainable design through a unique partnership with nature. Founder Danielle Trofe shares how MushLume’s design philosophy emerged from the discovery of an unlikely material combination—living mycelium and agricultural hemp. This fusion has unlocked new potential for eco-friendly design.
“The idea of co-creating with living organisms rather than manipulating inert materials reshaped my entire approach to design,” Danielle explains. Since its inception in 2011, MushLume has been at the forefront of using biomimicry to guide their processes, focusing on understanding and emulating the complex systems of nature.
Learning From Nature, Not Extracting From It
MushLume’s philosophy involves engaging with biological systems to develop products designed to naturally return to the earth. Their approach dismisses mass production norms, instead offering architects and interior designers eco-friendly lighting and acoustic solutions that emphasize low carbon impact and health benefits. Danielle notes that more architects are seeking alternatives that benefit both planet and user, saying, “We need larger investment in biomaterials demonstrating compostable, non-toxic, and non-off-gassing properties.”
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From Handcrafted Biomaterials to Commercial Applications
Innovations with Mycelium and Hemp
The MushLume process begins by upcycling agricultural and fiber hemp waste fused with living mycelium. “We pack this blend into molds, allowing the organism to grow in a controlled environment,” Danielle says. This combination ensures that grown in 7 to 10 days, these materials are transformed into functional, sustainable products. Even at a commercial scale, MushLume maintains a commitment to minimal environmental impact.
The studio effectively leverages the natural benefits of mycelium for flame resistance and sound absorption, achieving standards suitable for commercial lighting. By using this blend, they enable the creation of integrated systems that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes in spaces.
Scaling Up at MADE: Bush Terminal
With its new lab at MADE: Bush Terminal, MushLume consolidates its operations, streamlining the journey from concept to production. This integration bolsters their commercial output, while also opening the doors to public engagement. “We wanted a space that encourages interaction, where designers and the public can engage directly with biomaterials,” Danielle reveals.
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Located in a thriving maker community, the studio benefits from proximity to diverse creators and resources. This ecosystem encourages collaboration and innovation, essential for exploring new product categories and methodologies. Danielle highlights the importance of this connection by drawing parallels to natural ecosystems, benefiting from shared resources.
Scaling Handcrafted Biomaterials for Commercial Spaces
Embedded in Sunset Park’s creative landscape, MushLume is not just reshaping design principles, but also inspiring a wider dialogue around sustainable practices. By integrating research, production, and community engagement using these natural materials, the studio is charting a new path for innovative ecological design.
Organized by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the transformed MADE: Bush Terminal stands as a beacon of modern innovation, merging ecological mindfulness with dynamic design—spearheaded by visionaries like MushLume.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What materials does MushLume use for eco-friendly design?
MushLume uses a unique combination of living mycelium and agricultural hemp to push the boundaries of sustainable design. This fusion has unlocked new potential for eco-friendly products that naturally return to the earth.
How does MushLume’s process transform materials?
MushLume begins by upcycling agricultural and fiber hemp waste fused with living mycelium, which is then packed into molds to grow in a controlled environment. In 7 to 10 days, these materials are transformed into functional, sustainable products suitable for commercial applications.
What benefits do mycelium-based products offer?
Mycelium-based products offer natural benefits such as flame resistance and sound absorption. These properties make them suitable for commercial lighting and other applications while maintaining a minimal environmental impact.