Grown, Not Built: Reimagining Our Future with MycoMuseum at Conscious Collective 2024

What if our built environment wasn’t just constructed but cultivated—grown organically rather than assembled with industrial materials? At Anomalia, we believe in rethinking the way we create spaces, shifting from extractive construction to regenerative growth. Mycelium, the intelligent, interwoven root network of fungi, offers a path forward—one where architecture harmonizes with nature rather than disrupting it.

Anomalia was thrilled to present the maiden exhibit of MycoMuseum at Conscious Collective 2024, an initiative dedicated to fostering awareness and driving solutions for better living. Last year’s theme, Bridging Horizons, called for collective action, emphasizing the importance of both individual and global efforts toward a sustainable future.

Our participation in Conscious Collective 2024 was part of our Fellowship Program with Godrej Design Lab, through which we explored groundbreaking innovations in bio-based materials and conscious design. At the heart of this journey lay MycoMuseum, a project that reimagined our built environments in response to the climate crisis. Harnessing the potential of mycelium—a natural, biodegradable material—we pioneered an alternative construction methodology that aligned human activity with ecological well-being.

What was MycoMuseum?

The MycoMuseum was a living exhibit where mycelium took center stage, showcasing its intelligence and versatility in various forms. In collaboration with forward-thinking partners across different industries and geographies, we explored how mycelium could become a viable alternative to conventional materials in architecture, furniture, and fashion. Our goal was to push the boundaries of sustainable materiality while fostering a circular economy that reduced waste and carbon emissions.

Featured Innovations at MycoMuseum

Anomalia MycoBlox (The Wall System)

At Anomalia, we developed MycoBlox, a modular wall system grown from mycelium and agricultural waste. Mycelium, often referred to as nature’s glue, binds organic matter into a strong, lightweight, and stackable structure. These blocks were not only load-bearing but also fully biodegradable, returning to the earth at the end of their life cycle. This innovation represented a step toward low-carbon construction solutions that reduced environmental impact while embracing a circular material economy.

MycoLiving (The Chair)

The furniture industry contributes approximately 5% of landfill waste, primarily due to non-recyclable materials such as polyurethane foam and leather. MycoLiving, designed by Anomalia, addressed this issue by blending mycelium components with conventional materials to create hybridized, sustainable everyday objects. Utilizing MYCL’s mycelium-based leather, Mylea™, MycoLiving presented an eco-friendly alternative to traditional furniture, ensuring that sustainability met design without compromising on durability or aesthetics.

MycoCore (The Apparel) – In Collaboration with Anushé Pirani

Fashion and bio-design converged in MycoCore, an innovative garment crafted entirely from mycelium. Inspired by the structure of a mushroom, this zero-waste apparel represented the future of sustainable fashion. Every detail was designed with minimal waste in mind, and the intricate cut-outs from shaping the gills were repurposed into fine mycelial threads, adding texture and depth to the garment. MycoCore stood as a testament to the fusion of nature and couture, redefining the role of regenerative materials in fashion.

Collaborations and Production Partners

• MYCL Bio (Bandung, Indonesia)

• MYLEA (Bandung, Indonesia)

• Anushé Pirani (Mumbai, India)

• Roha Bio (Chennai, India)

Looking Back at Conscious Collective 2024

We were honored to showcase MycoMuseum at Conscious Collective 2024 and witness how mycelium shaped the future of sustainable design. The event brought together visionaries, designers, and change-makers who shared a commitment to building a future where architecture, technology, and nature exist in harmony.As we move forward, Anomalia remains dedicated to exploring innovative, conscious design solutions for people and the planet.