The New European Bauhaus Prizes, awarded by the European Commission, celebrates projects that embody the principles of sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity in the field of architecture and design. UrbanMYCOskin stood out among a competitive field of entries, showcasing the transformative potential of biomaterials in creating sustainable urban environments. Developed by Natalia Piórecka, Rita Morais and Jennifer Levy at the Bio-integrated Design Lab at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London UCL, UrbanMYCOskin has been recognized for its exceptional contributions to shaping a Circular Industrial Ecosystem and Supporting Life-Cycle Thinking.
Expressing her gratitude for the Prize, Natalia Piorecka remarked: "Receiving the New European Bauhaus Prize 2024 was truly an honor and a powerful validation of our efforts. It boosts our motivation to advance the UrbanMYCOskin project and expand our research. We're excited to see the growing recognition of biomaterials and their potential, which opens up significant opportunities for the future of sustainable architecture and urban planning." UrbanMYCOskin marks a pioneering advance in sustainable urban development, utilizing nature-inspired design to forge a more resilient and harmonious built environment. Natalia Piorecka's leadership highlights the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking in tackling today's ecological and architectural challenges.
Building on this foundation, Natalia will further her research on mycelium and biomaterials through the upcoming MUSE research project. Funded by the Tiroler Wissenschaftsfond this project is led by the Integrative Design | EXTREMES research group based at the Department of Experimental Architecture in collaboration with CTM – Campus Tirol Motorsport, the Transfer Office at the University of Innsbruck and the Mushroom Research Center Austria (MRCA). The project aims to deepen the integration of sustainable biomaterials within our surrounding, enhancing environmental resilience and sustainability.