Back to Dirt — So Alea

Back to Dirt, 2021 - ongoing

Research, Exhibitions, Workshops

Back to dirt is a transdisciplinary applied research project that proposes a more integrated myco-fabrication process. Myco-fabrication utilizes the growth of mycelium, the root structure of fungi, to create materials from organic waste. Back to dirt expands on this process by using local soil as a mold to grow objects. This unique process allows to bypass existing steps and conditions of myco-fabrication, such as sterilization, additional energy and plastic molds, while exploring the mycelias capacity to regenerate soils and reintroduce biodiversity.

The Boisbuchet Residency Award 2021 gave Miriam Josi and Stella Lee Prowse the opportunity to bring the lab outdoors and apply their bio-inclusive process at a larger scale. It was during theirresidency at Domaine de Boisbuchet where they grew the earliest full-scale proof of concept of their fabrication method, the first underground myco-fabricated chair.

Project supported by FAIRE, a research and experimentation program launched by the Pavillon de l’Arsenal with the support of the City of Paris, the Caisse des dépôts, EDF and MINI as well as Artagon-ENOWE

Back to Dirt shown at Pavillon de L’Arsenal, Paris 2023, Photos: Nicolas Krief