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Trophe Symbiosia

How can we make the invisible interactions and interdependencies between mycorrhizal mushrooms, lichens and trees perceptible?

The intake of food is deeply rooted in many cultures represented by daily rituals and traditions. In nature, too, processes and routines to absorb nutrients take place on a daily basis. An extensive network of roots extends underneath the earth. Through this network, nutrients are exchanged and passed on, feeding all the connected organisms. “Trophe Symbiosa” is an eating experience that makes the eating cultures of mycorrhizal fungi, trees and lichens visible and tangible. It includes a set of ceramic objects and a four-course menu. Each course refers to a storey of the forest and illustrates the interactions happening there between the living organisms: starting from the roots and moving to the treetops. The ceramic objects are stacked during the meal. Thus, the forest also builds up figuratively.

Facts

Research Topic
Green Design 12.0- Verflechtungen

Project Type
Teaching Course Studio Practice

Designer(s)
  • Antonia Leonie Steinbrink
  • Prerana Maheshwari

Supervision by
  • Prof. Dr. Zane Berzina
  • Prof. Barbara Schmidt
  • Prof. Steffen Schuhmann
  • Prof. Dr. Lucy Norris
  • Andreas Kallfelz
  • Mina Mahouti

in Collaboration with
  • Ulrich Krauss
  • Glass – Hand Formed Matter

2023