Materials: glass, hemp & cotton scraps, reishi mycelium

PLAY is a set of vases composed of six geometric perforated mycelium shapes and three glass cylinders of different heights which can be assembled and combined in an unlimited variety of ways.
Inspired by children’s building blocks, the different compositions of the elements offer a multisensory and open-ended experience inviting the user to touch, interact, and create a wide assortment of totem vases.
The design embraces and facilitates the disassembly of all parts and each material has its own determined role and lifespan.
The mycelium structures are grown from hemp from agricultural waste and coloured cotton scraps in simple moulds, creating a terrazzo-like finish. The growing process can take up to three weeks, developing each time a unique result.
The juxtaposition of two materials plays with its contrasting textures and characteristics. Glass, a ‘man-made’ material, smooth and transparent, fragile, waterproof and long-lasting. On the other hand Mycelium, a ‘grown’, composite material, unevenly textured, lightweight, isolating and biodegradable.
Each part and material has its function and life cycle. The glass cylinders hold the water and can easily be removed and washed if needed. They are durable and can be infinitely recycled. The Mycelium blocks add protection and stability and allow modifying the shape of the vases. Grown from organic substrate they decompose entirely and nourish the soil once put on the compost heap.
The vases are entirely produced in Paris, the Mycelium is grown in Miriam Josi’s Studio and the glass manufactured by one of the last glassmakers in the city.