07 Fabrication Process

Prototype V.1

The first prototype I made is a 3D print of one of the modules that contains a crystal container to hold water and maintain the humidity of the fungus. Then, inside, I placed a mesh where I initially thought the fungus could grow. However, since bioluminescence is affected by the environment, I decided to incorporate an opaque glass container that allows light to enter but at the same time has a filter at the top to help maintain a controlled environment. The idea is for the fungus to grow and then use the culture to place it in other containers. In this prototype, I am also interested in placing an environmental monitoring sensor at the base to collect data on pollution and CO2.

Sensor and knitting machine

Enviromental Monitoring Sensor, PLA skin, Water Pot and Panellus stipticus

Enviromental Monitoring Sensor, PLA skin, Water Pot, Panellus stipticus and Mesh

Prototype V1.2

Another prototype I explored was an open structure with the fungus culture at its center. Initially, I used mesh, but then I thought it might be interesting to have a translucent structure with a blown glass center. Something more sculptural that would somehow integrate into the organic forms of nature.

Germarilis Ruiz - This model was generated using AI

Prototype: V.06

Prototype + Environmental Monitoring Sensor (Grasshopper & Rhinoceros) by Germarilis Ruiz Galloza

3d Printed Prototype (Grasshopper & Rhinoceros) by Germarilis Ruiz Galloza

Environment monitor

The V.06 prototype was designed with an organic shape inspired by the growing forms of the fungi in the trees and the leaves of the Yagrumo, a tree from Puerto Rico. The idea behind this design was to create a modular, parametric structure that would function as a pergola, protecting the fungus from direct light. On the top, it has a water container to maintain the humidity of the crop and oxygen filters. An environmental sensor was placed on the ground to measure humidity, air quality, light, and other environmental conditions. Currently, the data is being collected in Barcelona and is part of the data that is being collected from the two cultures in the substrate.

Access the environmental data of Luminico (here).