PhD student spotlight - Ian Fletcher | Architecture Research Group

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Mycelium Curiosities

Ian Fletcher

Student: Ian Fletcher (staff)
Director of Studies: Dr. Ash Ahmed
Second Supervisor: Dr. Pauline Fitzgerald

Project description

Mycelium Curiosities is a Ph.D. research project which investigates the feasibility of fungal mycelium synthesised materials and the utilisation of nature’s biopolymers obtained from agricultural waste to biologically engineer a sustainable and biodegradable material for use in construction. The aims of the research project are to provide an overview into the production, properties and performance of mycelium-based materials, extract natural cellulose fibres from wheat straw and to determine whether the material can be implemented for structural and/or non-structural applications. Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus consisting of a mass of branching thread-like hyphae, which act as a natural binder (matrix) in the mycelium-based composite system. Mycelium is mainly composed of natural polymers, such as chitin, cellulose and proteins and is a natural polymeric composite fibrous material. Mycelium digests nutrients from agricultural waste and in the process bonds to the surface without use of any additional energy input. It also depolymerises and colonise natural cellulose fibres acting as a natural self-assembling glue.

student Biography

Ian Fletcher holds a position as a Senior Lecturer in Architecture in the School of Arts, Architecture and Design. Ian received his Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree in 2007 from Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism at Carleton University in Canada. He also received a MA in Architecture and Urbanism in 2008 and Bachelor of Architecture in 2009 from the Manchester School of Architecture in the United Kingdom. Ian has worked in architectural practice in Trinidad & Tobago, and taught at Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism in Canada and at the Birmingham School of Architecture before joining the Leeds School of Architecture. He is interested in theoretical and practical urban scale ideas, which can help post-industrial cities transition towards self-sufficiency. His research aims to promote an ecological rethinking of post-industrial infrastructures and waste management. Ian’s PhD research investigates the production, properties and performance of mycelium biocomposites, and the influence of different waste streams which can be utilised to optimize mycelium biocomposites production for construction use.