white fungi-like components set up bio-art installation in buenos aires

FUNGI KINGDOM by Julio Oropel and Jose Luis Zacarias Otiñano

Fungi Kingdom – Urban Farm is a project that aims to raise awareness about natural and biodegradable materials and to explore the potential of mycelium in design applications. The installation by designers Julio Oropel and Jose Luis Zacarias Otiñano resides in Tiro Federal Argentino’s central hall in Buenos Aires. The Former Argentine Federal Shooting Building, constructed in 1937 and declared as a National Historic Monument, is defined by its rationalistic architecture. The Central Hall develops a concentric projection and is adorned with noble materials and polished granite and marble floors. Linear structures and circular geometries transform the entrance hall into a gathering space where science, nature, and creativity meet.

all images by Adela Aldama

installation imitates fungus morphology

The layout aligns with the space’s symmetric rhythm and develops around the central column. A circular structure made of glass and white-colored metal is supported by the pillar and serves as a display case for several fungi species. Around the showcase, 100 white concrete VANKA benches shaped after fungus morphology stand linked to one another creating a seating area for contemplation. White metal plates support the fungi stools that spread and branch like mycelia.

White metal plates are affixed against the walls of the imposing stairway, while at its foot four VANKA white concrete tables with metallic supports create a series of organic sculptures. Each component of the installation is painted in a white hue, ‘Blanco Quirúrgico’ abiding by rationalist aesthetics. The polished granite floor, marble ‘boiserie’, and stairway retain their original form.

The design team considers Fungi Kingdom a conceptual statement dealing with ecological and evolutionary thinking about life and living beings and a space in which nature, culture, and technology coexist. The project’s main objective is to develop a meeting place dedicated to education around natural and biodegradable materials as well as the potential of mycelium in design applications.

the project aims to explore the potential of mycelium in design applications

the layout aligns with the space’s symmetric rhythm and develops around the central column

a circular structure made of glass and metal serves as a display case for several fungi species

linear structures and circular geometries transform the entrance hall into a gathering space

100 white concrete VANKA benches shaped after fungus morphology stand around the showcase

white metal plates support the fungi stools that spread and branch like mycelia

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white metal plates are affixed against the walls of the imposing stairway

the polished granite floor, marble 'boiserie', and stairway retain their original form

Fungi Kingdom develops a spatial arrangement in which nature, culture, and technology coexist

each component of the installation adopts a white hue, abiding by rationalist aesthetics

project info:

name: FUNGI KINGDOM – URBAN FARM
designer: Julio Oropel | @juliooropel – Jose Luis Zacarias Otiñano | @joseluiszacariasotinano

location: Buenos Aires, Argentina

photography: Adela Aldama

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom