Bracket Fungi

My conceptual inspiration comes from fungal growth that has sprouted up around the farm. As the farm decays a new source of life emerges from its remains. As the wood of the building rots away, Basidiomycetes emerge from their dwelling underground. Linked together in a major underground network, these Basidiomycetes, more commonly refered to as Bracket Fungi, emerge from the ground. Bracket fungi are specifically known for their composition of wooden materials. These fungi are known as mutualistic fungi; this means that not only do they feed upon the host but they also give back in one way or another. The Bracket fungi are interconnected through a series of mycelium fibers. This network spreads across the wooden object, releasing digestive enzymes into it. My strucutre, like a mutualistic bracket fungi, will feed off the structures of the barns for support or a living space. In return, the fungi will strengthen the falling structure, bracing it against the elements with its use of mycelium fiber.

The next phase, and the one I am currently working on will envolve a number of these bracket fungi dispersed about a log. This will hopefully create some interesting shape overlays and allow me the basis for my abstract design.