Symbiotic Futures 1.0

Beetle-infestation of spruce, Feldbuch, Frankonia. Image: Pelin Asa, MPI-CI, MoA

Modern life is mainly built on concrete, glass, and steel. However, these construction materials have been increasingly discussed due to their impact on emissions, waste production, and the climate crisis. In response to this, designers, architects, and other scholars investigate novel approaches to biomaterials, recycling options, and circular models of fabrication and construction. The aim is to form symbiotic alliances with fungi, beetle-infested trees, bacteria, or residual materials and acknowledge the surprising potential of these unconventional collaborators.

The exhibition Closer to Nature. Building with Fungi, Trees, Mud at Berlinische Galerie presents three examples of how elements of nature can be understood as equal partners in architecture. Connected with a tour of the exhibition, on 5th June, 2024, workshop participants were invited to discuss symbiotic practices such as these - in construction, architecture, and the design of daily objects.

Contributors
Vera Meyer, TU Berlin, MY-CO-X
Johanna Ficht, Nora Wilhelm und Erik Göngrich, Mitkunstzentrale
Dimitra Almpani-Lekka, Architect
Pelin Asa, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials
Karola Dierichs, weißensee school of art and design Berlin, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces
Lynn Hyun Kieffer, Aarhus School of Architecture
Anna Kubelík, HTWG Konstanz
Robert Stock, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Program
1.00 pm Welcome and Introduction
Robert Stock und Nils Philippi

1.15 pm Introducing the groups »Fungi and Waste Materials« and »Bacteria & Beetle-Wood«
Diving into groups

1.45 pm Guided tour through the exhibition (German)
Nils Philippi, Vera Meyer

2.45 pm Break & Reflection

3.00 pm Workshops

Building with Fungi and Waste Materials
Introduction: Vera Meyer

Building with Bacteria and Beetle-Wood
Introduction: Pelin Asa, Karola Dierichs, Lynn Hyun Kieffer

4.30 pm Wrap-up

5.00 pm Outlook: Symbiotic Futures
Karola Dierichs, Anna Kubelík, Vera Meyer, Robert Stock, Nora Wilhelm

Participation and Registration

The event was organized by Berlinische Galerie and the Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity. Image Space Material«, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.