Redefining The Sustainable Design Approach

In recent years sustainability has become the crux of corporate and public design. While awareness has brought positive impact, understanding and applicability often fall short of exploring new ideas and materials which can play crucial element in the design approach for the future. One such idea was recently promoted by Jainika Shah called "Mycelium Maison" which won global awards for her innovative design.

Mycelium is a renewable & biodegradable material made from the roots of mushrooms. Mycelium composites are excellent materials as they are light in weight, yet they possess great strength. Offering a new perspective on sustainability, Jainika's work went beyond that of traditional designer.

We got chatting with her to know more about her award(s) winning design which offers a promising step towards sustainability.

What made you choose to become a designer?
Since a young age I have been intrigued with art and design. I loved exploring new spaces and that really drew me towards architecture. I honed my skills at Mumbai university and Pratt institute and thus my journey began as an architect. Over the last several years I have delivered a diverse range of projects including Science & Technology, industrial, commercial workplace, higher education, residential etc. across USA and India. Throughout my career I have overseen production and design of different architectural marvels while providing user and client satisfaction.

Can you explain a little more about your latest international awards winning design?
The intent of the design was to integrate the built space with the surrounding landscape while exploring the interplay of humans. The architecture feels like it's diffusing and developing freely. The generative and ever evolving form resembles the growth of a mushroom. The surrounding landscape is interwoven with the interior spaces thus blurring the boundaries between the two. The interior spaces are segregated as well as blended, creating a natural flow between the spaces. The large opening and windows provide a panoramic view of the lake and evergreen vegetation.

What was your main source of inspiration for this design?
I was trying to create a design for a sustainable space. I thoroughly studied mycelium which eventually became the basis of my design. Mycelium is a long thread like mushroom roots, which typically grow in a humid and shaded area. These extremely thin white threads grow in all directions forming a strong web. The strong network of these mycelium filaments acts like an anchor for the mushroom. Mimicking the growth of mycelium, the house tries to seek balance between built spaces and the surroundings

What were the main challenges you faced during the design process?
A through research about the material had to be conducted which was essential to understand the opportunities and limitations of this material and how to use it to our advantage.

How do you see the evolution of sustainability in the design industry?
The field of design is always changing and evolving. Designers are becoming more cautious about the impact of their design on the environment. This practice is helping in creating more sustainable futuristic designs.