This installation is aim to give some thoughts about contradictory human nature of ourselves. There are different ways for survival. One is interlinking for pursueing common goods and another is being competitive for one’s benefit. Through this installation I want to reflect on those ambivalent understandings of society and revive under-recognized positiveness of social interaction between humans by using inspiration from Mycelium’s nature power as mutualistic symbiosis called mycorrhiza.
Mycelium Installation
About
People become more competitive with much hostility and being accustomed to the seperation by grouping in-group and out-group. As a result, superficially we often show (or at least have in mind) the negative attitudes and thoughts such as antagonism, hostility, and even conflict impulsion. Otherwise, our foundation is composed of symbiotic relationship connecting and supporting each other, and it can be even expanded to altruism and commitment which is easy to forget because of its invisibility.
The 'Mycelium Installation' emerges as a profound artistic endeavor, delving into the intricate tapestry of human nature and its paradoxes. At its core, this installation is an exploration of the dual paths of human survival and interaction:
the pursuit of collective benefit through interconnectedness and the individualistic drive for personal gain.
Sound Interactive
Core Feature
Central to the 'Mycelium Installation' is its innovative Sound Interaction Design, which brings the unseen language of nature to life.
Leveraging Touch Designer, it transforms the subtle sounds of mycelial networks into a dynamic visual display of shapes and colors. This interactive feature resonates with the rhythms of nature, offering a sensory journey that emphasizes our deep connection with the natural world.
It not only serves as a bridge to nature's hidden dialogues but also symbolizes the unspoken bonds that form the foundation of human society, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of our interconnectedness.
Background
Mycelium as a main material and theme of this project reminds us of our social communities and connections - attachment and social identity- by its nature properties.
One is ‘Interdependent Communication’. Belowground mutualistic symbiosis called mycorrhiza (Fungus root) connects different individuals in the forest, not only of the same species, but between different species through infinite biological pathways allowing them to communicate and behave as a single organism.
Another is ‘Interlinking Network’. Mycorrhizal network composes nodes and links between hub trees and younger seedlings. They establish the network within the entire forest and increase the resilience of whole community.
Ideation
Idea Organization
Organize what strategies for survival are existed in human’s society, comparing with the eco-system of mycelium nature.
Inspiration Ideation
Discover and specify the similarity between nature properties of human and mycelium.
Drawing inspiration from the innate power of mycelium and its mutualistic symbiosis known as mycorrhiza, this installation transcends mere aesthetic appeal.
It serves as a reflective mirror, urging viewers to contemplate the often overlooked, yet pivotal role of social interplay in human society. In a world increasingly marred by competitiveness and hostility, marked by stark divisions between 'us' and 'them', this installation stands as a reminder of the undercurrents of symbiosis that bind us.
It challenges the prevailing narratives of antagonism and conflict, urging a reconnection with the foundational elements of altruism and communal support that underpin our existence.
Through this immersive experience, the 'Mycelium Installation' not only showcases the beauty and complexity of natural symbiosis but also reignites a conversation about the essence of human interaction and coexistence.
Design Process 01.
01/ Architecture & Construction Concept
‘Facade grid construction’
Organize inspirations from architecture and restoration which embrace vast resources for human society as a great invention for the good of all mankind. The boundary of installation could be interpreted as a huge comprehension of altruistic social good.
02/ Typography Idea
‘Push and Pull’
Reflect the realistic social phenomenons of human relationship including acceleration of negativeness as hostility and conflicts which undermine the very moral things. It contrasts with symbiotic relationship of mycelium material itself.
Design Process 02.
03/ Materials Used
‘Mycelium and Steel’
Inspired from concrete pavement, I used mycelium as neutral source which gets harmonized well with surroundings including human and external environments. Since it is one of the most eco-friendly resources, it is able to be transformed and rebuilt very flexibly without any pollution or artificial works. Only steel functioned as an establishment of central axis is needed for the supportive aid to maintain its frame.
04/ Building Work
Building the installation by thorough process starting from the very beginning stage of growing mycelium material to construction stage.
Insight
The 'Mycelium Installation' offers a unique window into the unseen yet profound connections that shape our world. It illuminates the intricate balance between individuality and collectivism, revealing how deeply intertwined our lives are with nature and each other.
This installation is not just a display of artistic ingenuity but a poignant reminder of the symbiotic relationships that are essential for mutual growth and survival. It stands as a testament to the power of unity and collaboration, urging us to rediscover and embrace the often overlooked virtues of empathy and togetherness in our increasingly fragmented world.