MARION PAYET, MARGAUX PADRUTT AND RAPHAËLLE LHUILLIER

Marion, Margaux and Raphaëlle are currently in their last year of studies at Camondo School in Toulon. Together, they decided together to participate at the project Énergies-Synergies at Boisbuchet to continue their personal work around mycelium. For several months, the trio had  been researching fungus and mycelium in order to use it as a new material in their work – a material that can eventually replace plastic and other environmentally damaging materials. 

The project they developed during their residency was a lamp named ‘Mush’, taking inspiration from the shape of the mushroom. What fascinated the trio was the collaboration between the mushroom and the designer. First, they had to create a mold that they filled up with a mix of mycelium with substrates. Then, the mycelium would develop and take the shape of the mold, and build the lamp as a living organism and as an unique and animated object. 

At Boisbuchet they decided to focus on the molds of the lamp. Due to the 3D printing machines, they were able to make experimentations of the shade and the lamp base with the mycelium. Today, they have the molds and are still looking for the right substrate that will ensure the most effective strength for the lamp. They are doing  several tests by mixing the mycelium with tissue, oatmeal, and different minerals. This process takes time, but the results are convincing.