An open space on the rooftop where users can relax and also engage in activities such as harvesting tomatoes and chanterelle mushrooms. Children can participate in gardening workshops. There is also an element for rainwater harvesting in this area.
The bustling exterior of So●Mush●Room show glimpses of a cafe’ and the entryway into the market area full of fresh and nutrient packed produce from the rich soil.
A look towards part of the water filtration system overhead and a semi open space where specifically oyster mushrooms and okras are grown together to enrich the soil. These spaces provide interaction between the users and staff.
An open space on the rooftop where users can relax and also engage in activities such as harvesting tomatoes and chanterelle mushrooms. Children can participate in gardening workshops. There is also an element for rainwater harvesting in this area.
< SO●MUSH●ROOM >
So●Mush●Room
34
Yoome Ahmed
Project Introduction
Our food system is one of the most wasteful and polluting things on the planet, in regards to the way food Is grown but also transported and sold. So●Mush●Room is a green, climate action initiative designed for an urban city context. It aims to provide access to fresh produce with more nutritional value to the surrounding community. The presence of mycelium is symbolized by mushrooms, and they are the key to the health and sustainability of the environment. Mycelium enriched soil yield food higher in nutrients, thus taking a less amount of food to fill our bellies as it allows for produce to grow lusher. In addition to farm and market spaces, it provides a platform to educate users on farming and sustainability practices as the project also features mycrofiltration of water and composting so many of the elements get recycled and remain in a closed loop within the project.
Project So●Mush●Room was inspired by the need to bring the outdoors to the indoors in a busy and congested urban context. The design idea was derived with inspiration through the gills or veins on the flap of a mushroom and observing the entanglement of it towards the stalk. It was made to utilise approaches such as vertical design, interactivity, sustainability and symbiosis of mycelium with other plants. The space was designed to be user friendly, allow spacious areas and easy way finding, as a breathing space from the busy city. It also, more importantly uses sustainable materials and encourages best practices beneficial for the environment.
Perspective
SO●MUSH●ROOM
The detailed element is the heart of this project. It is a system that catches rainwater, harvests and filters it through the use of fungi and microorganisms through several stages. The water that would otherwise go down the drain is captured and used as a misting medium to benefit the growth of mushrooms and crops. It encourages conservation and improves water quality. The stored water acts as the vessel which supplies water to all the different plants and overall landscape. This keeps this element going in a closed loop which is what is needed during this climate crisis.
Bespoke Design
So. Mush. Room
