Fungi Games
We invite participants to explore mycelium—the living root-like network of fungi—as a creative partner in a hands-on making experience. In our workshops, we guide learners in shaping mycelium into custom game pieces, tokens, or tiles using molds. Over time, the mycelium grows through its substrate, naturally binding the material into a solid, lightweight structure. Participants begin by working with the living material in its soft state and later witness how it transforms into a durable object through drying and heat treatment.
Our approach centers on collaboration with living systems, encouraging participants to see mycelium not just as a material, but as an active contributor to the making process. As they design and shape their pieces, learners observe how factors like moisture, pressure, and time influence the outcome. They are also invited to connect their creations to personal, cultural, or community stories—using symbols, patterns, and play as a way to embed meaning into their designs. The process extends beyond the session itself, as the material continues to grow and evolve after participants leave.
At the core of this project is a focus on care, sustainability, and ethical making. Mycelium offers a biodegradable alternative to synthetic materials, demonstrating how living organisms can be harnessed for environmentally responsible design. Through this experience, we encourage participants to reflect on what it means to “make” when a living organism completes part of the work, and how responsibility extends to both the material and the broader ecological and cultural systems it is part of. Ultimately, our goal is to foster curiosity, patience, and a deeper connection between people, materials, and the living world.