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From mind-altering psychedelics to the nutritional powerhouse of dietary supplements, mushrooms have proven to be remarkably versatile organisms. Besides their edible benefits, their unseen underground network, the mycelium, considered nature’s hidden architect, is also emerging as a sustainable alternative to design materials. Mycelium leather is an example of this. It’s also the material of choice for homegrown design studio Anomalia.
Derived from the word ‘anomaly’ Anomalia’s ethos is rooted in a philosophy of challenging conventions and creating positive impact. The studio employs design as a powerful tool to address pressing ecological concerns. Their focus on materiality has led them on a pioneering journey into the world of mycelium, a substance with the potential to revolutionize the furniture industry.
The furniture industry, notorious for its environmental impact, is a primary target for Anomalia’s transformative approach. The proliferation of fast furniture, often composed of difficult-to-recycle composites, has played a definitive role in the waste crisis. Anomalia's response to that problem is their project, 'MycoLiving', a furniture series that replaces traditional materials like leather and foam with mycelium-based alternatives. This innovative concept is grounded in a deep understanding of mycelium’s versatility. As the root structure of mushrooms, mycelium can be cultivated to exhibit a wide range of properties, from the rigidity of a brick to the suppleness of leather.
The duo's fascination with mycelium began in 2019, with humble experiments conducted in their own homes. From these modest beginnings, their exploration has expanded into a diverse range of applications, including packaging, lighting, and, most significantly, furniture. Anomalia is at the forefront of developing mycelium as a structural material, with their load-bearing mycelium blocks set to make a debut at the Conscious Collective Event in December 2024. This groundbreaking research is being conducted in collaboration with Godrej Design Lab and Roha Bio, underscoring Anomalia’s commitment to partnerships and knowledge sharing.
MycoLiving, apart from being a functional product, also celebrates nature's ingenuity. The design draws inspiration from the diverse forms found in the mushroom kingdom, translating organic aesthetics into contemporary furniture pieces. Anomalia's collaboration with MYCL, Indonesia, has been instrumental in sourcing the mycelium leather, a material that is both sustainable and luxurious.
Beyond mycelium, Anomalia is exploring other innovative materials. Their 'Elephant in the Room' series repurposes recycled multilayer plastics, typically destined for landfills or oceans, into durable and fire-resistant furniture. Each piece in this collection addresses the elephant in the room: plastic waste.
Co-founders Bhakti V Loonawat and Suyash Sawant, the driving forces behind Anomalia, bring a unique blend of creativity and research to their work. Loonawat’s background in architecture and her experience with clay-based composites inform her exploration of novel materials. Sawant’s architectural training and interest in the interplay of time, space, and people shapes the studio’s design philosophy. Together, they form a dynamic partnership dedicated to creating a more sustainable future.
Anomalia’s work uses the power of design to drive positive change. By harnessing the natural capabilities of fungi and merging them with innovative technological processes, their material innovations are an embodiment of Solarpunk philosophies that don’t see technology as the antithesis of nature, but a tool for more sustainable solutions. The Studio’s ingenuity in material science and design aims for a more harmonius and resilient future where humans and nature coexist in a mutually beneficial partnership.
You can follow Anomalia here.
