#YoungIcons2024 Anomalia is working towards making a positive impact on both people and the built environment through thoughtful design

At Architecture+Design, we believe in nurturing this spirit of innovation by shining a spotlight on the rising stars who are reshaping our built environment. For celebrating the same we are here with Young Icons 2024. And the second on our list is Anomalia. It was started in September 2022 as a research-driven architecture and design practice with a simple mission: to make a positive impact on both people and the built environment through thoughtful design. The idea came to life while Bhakti and Suyash were master’s students at IAAC (Barcelona), where they got deep into exploring alternative materials, new construction technologies and urban architecture.

CORE BELIEFS:

Anomalia is derived from the word ‘anomaly’, and our ethos centres around breaking away from  the conventions to address pressing challenges within our ecosystem. Our approach is deeply rooted in research, allowing us to explore and implement innovative strategies, systems and materials. A big part of this is our focus on alternative materials, like mycelium and recycled plastic, which are central to our work.

PROJECT FOR THE GODREJ DESIGN LAB (GDL) FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM:

Our objective with the GDL Fellowship program, through the MycoMuseum project, is to explore the potential of mycelium in construction applications. We are developing load-bearing mycelium blocks using mushroom mycelium combined with agricultural waste. In addition to exploring mycelium’s construction potential, we’ve expanded the project to include educational outreach. We’ve partnered with LS Raheja School of Architecture to integrate alternative materials like mycelium into their curriculum. By introducing these innovative materials to architecture students, we aim to inspire a new generation of architects to adopt experimental approaches and alternative materials.

HOW HAS THE GODREJ FELLOWSHIP HELPED YOU ADVANCE YOUR WORK? TAKE US THROUGH YOUR EXPERIENCE…

In 2022, when we started our practice, we were eager to experiment with materials alongside our architecture and design projects. We spoke about growing a mycelium pavilion, and a year later, we received the opportunity to develop our research and explore the potential of mycelium as a construction material. The fellowship has given a boost to our research and provided a platform to display innovations in alternative materials.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE DESIGN COMMUNITY?

Through the fellowship program, we’ve expanded the project to include educational outreach. Through the inclusion of alternative materials like mycelium in the curriculum of LS Raheja School of Architecture, students are introduced to growing and experimenting with mycelium and designing myceliumbased building systems. The goal is to empower the students with the skillset to explore materials and develop an experimental approach.

Also Read: #YoungIcons2024 NORTH, a collective based in Himachal, aims to reconnect with nature through architecture that honours the past while looking to the future