Material Dialogue
collaboration between an anthropogenic material and a living organism
Material Dialogue is an open-ended research project that explores the intersection between biological growth and industrial waste, focusing specifically on the potential relationship between mycelium, a self-assembling fungal network, and red mud, a toxic byproduct of aluminum production. At its core, the project investigates whether mycelium can utilize red mud as a viable substrate and whether this could lead to applications in bioremediation, sustainable composites, and speculative design.
By merging a living organism with an anthropogenic residue, Material Dialogue challenges conventional notions of waste, growth, and value. This shift reframes waste not as an endpoint but as a potential origin, a point of connection between decay and regeneration.
The project is rooted in an experimental, process-based approach. A series of tests explore different ratios and conditions under which mycelium and red mud can interact. These iterations are not only about material properties but also about understanding how living systems behave in response to contaminated or extreme environments. The research becomes a means to observe, listen, and respond to the materials themselves, allowing the process to inform the outcomes rather than attempting to fully control or predict them.
Beyond its scientific and material inquiry, Material Dialogue positions itself as an evolving conversation between human and non-human agents, between making and unmaking, between design and rethinking design itself. It highlights the value of slowness, collaboration, and sensitivity when working with both biological systems and environmental legacies. Through this dialogue, it proposes a more relational approach to design that does not seek mastery over materials but fosters mutual adaptation, openness, and coexistence.
The project aspires to remain accessible and inclusive. It is not intended as a closed system or proprietary method but as an open platform for shared learning and experimentation. Through transparent knowledge sharing, it aims to open new pathways for sustainable materials, supporting a future where waste becomes opportunity and collective intelligence nurtures a broader culture of care and open knowledge.
Last updated