In vivo - IABR Rotterdam

Are we heading towards the Symbiocene? After a decades-long Anthropocene, in which humans exerted a disastrous influence on the earth and climate, more and more movements are seeking a holistic relationship with nature. Regenerative design should be the standard, in which innovative materials like mycelium play a key role. Mycelium consists of a network of hyphae. It is sustainable, biodegradable and can be used as a structural, heat-insulating and sound-insulating material. Mycelium offers hope for an architecture that seeks a symbiotic relationship with nature.

The afternoon features a screening of the documentary In Vivo by director Mister EMMA, which portrays the young architecture collective Bento Architecture as they build the Belgian pavilion with mycelium at the Venice Biennale 2023. The film is followed by an in-depth discussion between architect Corentin Dalon - co-founder of Bento; writer, changemaker and consultant An Kramer - known for, amongst others, her publication ‘Ben jij al activist?’; and artist and designer Catinca Tilea - who experiments with biotechnology as tool for redefining our relationship with nature. Their discussion will focus on the role of designers, biobased materials and their users in relation to the Symbiocene.