A proposal to reconsider the AA x Amnesty brief to use explore the use of Mycelium as organically produced insulation for emergency shelters rather than speculate on emergent architectural form.

A proposal for the AA x Amnesty International Pavilion competition brief to use mycelium as an insulating rather than speculative form-constructing material.

What is proposed is an initial design and prototype that considers mycelium being grown by inhabitants to insulate emergency shelters. The architecture here is in understanding the processes involved in making the insulation and growing it into timber frame systems, made of imported wood (from Russia and Romania).

It is easily constructed with simple tools, using the factory standard dimensions of imported timber sheets and columns. The only processing needed is sawing the panels to fit the frame. The form is designed to house up to 5 individuals and can be repeated easily on any site with level ground. A secondary sub division system is to be developed for the internal territory of the pavilion.

Location: London, UK
Type: Pavillion
Year: 2019
Lead: Karl Herdersch and Noriyuki Ishii