FUNGI FORAGE, FARM & FIRE

Using RSA competition brief 2020 “A New Leaf” brief - How might we utilise local woodland resources to stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic activity?

 

Life wouldn’t be possible without fungi and it literally feeds on death, so I utilised this extraordinary organism to inspire the design of a hospitality service within a woodland area that offers the opportunity for a primal reset, improving wellbeing and educating on the importance and benefits of woodland areas to the local and wider economy.

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The site for this project is Stockhill Woods, Wells. I was heavily inspired by the forms and textures of fungi and mushrooms found in the woodlands. As per the RSA brief, I wanted to utilise this local resource of fungi, as a way to attract people to the area, offering an educational experience of learning how to forage for yourself and cook mushroom dishes over and open fire. 

 

The position of the design was in a densely forested area, where it’s dark and damp, reflecting the areas in which fungi flourishes best. The form for the structures was inspired by the organic layers and gills of fungi, using soft shapes, as less angular forms decrease alertness and encourage relaxation.

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Fungi Foraging

Educational and hands on experience, learning how to forage edible mushrooms

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The Fungi Farm

During off-peak mushroom seasons, the microclimate space will be able to produce mushrooms all year round, supplying the local restaurants, deeming the space financially sustainable. Stockhill Woods is populated with coniferous trees, conifers grow specific types of fungi, making it specialised to the local area. This design could be relocated in another forest and use their local timber to grow their own specialised fungi. The toilets have biodegradable tanks and assist in harvesting the fungi.

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Fungi Forage, Farm & Fire is embedded deeply into the forest to maintain the strong relationship with the natural environment. We find green the easiest colour to look at and biophilic prints and patterns provide a relaxing, grounding effect.

Each element of the design is separated out along a timber walkway, reflecting the way mushrooms grow together in small clusters.

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The fire pit area is one of the most significant areas of the design. It’s a timber seating area that views out into the forest whilst being open to the elements. It allows for the instinctive gathering around the warm fire. In this area, takes place the cooking demonstration and offers the opportunity to experience making a meal from the fungi you’ve foraged, over an open fire, further encouraging that desired primal reset and improved wellness from the fresh forest air.