Two problems were identified in the fashion industry. The first one is an environmental and ethical problem due to over-breeding of animals. More than one billion animals are raised and killed for their skin per year. The conditions are often inappropriate and there is any reglementation. The second problem is social, which is gentrification. There is a gap between craftsman’s knowledge and younger people and the new generation is less interested in manual work. In response, the project questions how mycelium leather could be an alternative to tackle these problems.
The process begins with water and compost. In order to obtain mycelium leather, mycelium is at first mixed with glycerol in an ultrasonic bath then dried, compressed, tanned and finally dyed before being then transformed into mycelium leather backpacks as part of a workshop program. The final products are sold and distributed in Sewoon, Gangbuk and Seoul. The aim is to work in collaboration with craftsmen and fashion schools to create a workshop to sensibilize students with circular economy, sustainability and manual work of craftsmen. Students can take part in a workshop, where they can create their own leather backpack, as well as repairing or recycling their used ones.
Above all the intention was to keep the existing structure. The main transformation is located in the core of the building. Two columns were transformed into collecting water columns. The roof also changed to collect water more easily and was fitted with a tank. The core contains the water columns and the mushroom’s glass boxes to obtain a controlled space. This gesture creates an experience with the pink light. The students enter at the floor of the cafeteria where they can see a double height of mushroom’s growth and be immersed immediately in the essence of the building with this impressive entrance. Between floors other stairs follow the pink glasses and allow students to follow the process of the production. On the facade the intervention is minimal. The front facade becomes completely glazed and the lateral facades where the mushroom’s box touches the facade pink light can be seen. The last modification that can be seen from outside is at the bottom where there is a double height for transport.