Mycotory

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Architecture

Mycotory

What if architecture could heal the land before disappearing?

2025

Iowa State University: ARCH 4010 F25 Award: Metabolic Machina Studio Prize: Research Extrapolation - Winner Studio: Metabolic Machina Site: Ames, Iowa Instructors: Ayodele Iyanalu, Rod Kruse Collaborators: Olivia Maasdam

A close up of a woman's face with a blurry background — editorial portraiture image 1 for "Close to the Light"

Mycotory explores architecture as a temporary participant in ecological systems rather than a permanent object. Located at the edge of Munn Woods in Ames, Iowa, the project uses mycoremediation to restore contaminated watersheds by rebuilding the underground fungal networks that once supported the site.

Inspired by the yellow oyster mushroom found on site, Mycotory grows mycelium mats that decompose over time, repairing soil and water while creating spaces for gathering, learning, and community connection. Material systems, including mycelium composites and hyphal insulation, embrace adaptation and change over permanence.

Designed to complete its purpose and return to the earth, the project reimagines architecture as a living process of care, repair, and ecological renewal.

A close up of a woman's face with a blurry background — editorial portraiture image 1 for "Close to the Light"Black and white portrait of a woman looking at camera — editorial portraiture image 2 for "Close to the Light"An orange and white cat sleeping in sunlight, partially obscured. — editorial portraiture image 3 for "Close to the Light"Silhouette of a woman with arms crossed overhead. — editorial portraiture image 4 for "Close to the Light"White cat illuminated by golden light through foliage. — editorial portraiture image 5 for "Close to the Light"A cat stares intently out of a window. — editorial portraiture image 6 for "Close to the Light"

Project Credits

David Doan & Olivia Maasdam

Selected work

A concrete bench sitting next to a cement wall — editorial architecture image 1 for "Concrete Hours"

B2b

Worm's eye view of black building — editorial architecture image 1 for "Lines of Arrival"

Papertown

low-angle photography of four high-rise buildings

Haven