Bento architecture

"How can we rethink architecture in a world of increasingly limited resources?"

These are the challenges facing the architects at Bento Architecture. They explore ethical and responsible ethical and responsible for rethinking urban architecture. Their approach integrates living beings as constructive elements, broadening the relationship between humans and non-humans.

The latter work with "fungal leather", grown from mycelium, the root structure of fungi. To create these materials, a fungal organism is grown as a leaf on the surface of a solid or liquid substrate containing nutrients. The mycelium then forms a dense, interwoven network of thread-like structures called hyphae. This regenerative material offers a sustainable alternative to animal leatherallowing objects and architectures to develop autonomously.

During Private Choice 2024, a piece by Corentin Mahieu in collaboration with Bento Architecture and publisher Sonian. The table is Accalmietable, composed of a wooden scaffolding base supporting a mycelium top. The title of the piece refers to the stabilized state of living mycelium after explosive growth, it has entered a state of calm. The species used to make this object was collected in Belgium's Soignes Forest in Belgium (a UNESCO World Heritage site), where it grows naturally on local beech wood.

Accalmie developed around the "In Vivo" exhibition for the Belgian Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023.

Florian Mahieu designed the mycelium stools Stool L18 mycelium stools, which follow the same principle as his brother's table. These creations explore regeneration, reversing programmed obsolescence. The architects bet on the natural growth of living matter to generate new forms, linking life cycles and creation.