2025.04.25
Panasonic Group People
Discover the Earth Area at The Land of NOMO
Biosensory Dome (Mycelium Panels)—A Space Created by the Power of Fungi

At the center is a module made of mycelium panels

Hara: The Biosensory Dome in the Earth area is an exhibition based on the concept of the sensory room, which Ms. Miura has been developing for many years. However, it is unique in that it uses mycelium panels. How did you come up with this idea?

Miura: It all started when we wondered what it would be like to bring real nature into a space, rather than just creating a comfortable light and sound environment with technical devices. By creating a space with natural, living materials that visitors can see, touch, and smell, we hoped to stimulate a wider range of senses. So we approached BIOTA, with whom we already had a relationship, to see whether we could do something using mycelium.

Ito: At BIOTA, we apply genomic analysis to assess the diversity and balance of environmental microorganisms, and by enhancing that diversity, we aim to design societies that, for example, reduce infectious diseases and strengthen human immunity. In this context, we have made several attempts to create products with mycelium. However, we had never used mycelium to create a space. When we received this inquiry, it caused a significant debate within the company.

Hara: And the answer you came up with was mycelium panels.

Ito: Up until then, our experience had been limited to the artistic realm, such as creating objects with mycelium. That’s why we wanted to create a space in the Earth area where mycelium blends into human life—a state closer to practical application in society. We were asked to develop triangular panels that use mycelium as a building material for the dome walls.

Hara: At first, we were nervous: “Will this work?” “Can we really complete this?” From that stage, we shared our ideas and worked hard together. By continuing these efforts, we eventually achieved an outstanding level of quality that everyone involved could truly be proud of. For me, this moment was the essence of cross-organizational co-creation.

Hirata: When the prototype was completed, we took the baton and moved on to the mass production phase. Tsukiyono Mushroom World normally makes mushroom beds for growing edible mushrooms. Honestly, I was surprised when our president gave us the special mission of “mass production of mycelium panels.” To us, mycelium was simply the base of mushrooms, and the idea of using it as a building material had never crossed our minds.

Miura: What was most difficult about the mass production phase, when you had to make 100 panels?

Hirata: The biggest challenge was balancing dryness and moisture to ensure that the mycelium grew evenly throughout the wooden frame. If it’s too dry, the mycelium will shrink and crack. On the other hand, if it’s too humid, it will get moldy.

Tanaka: We are very grateful for the care taken. Each panel was coated with an anti-mold agent, then covered with a protective sheet to prevent drying and to keep out contaminants.

Hirata: It was no easy task (laughs). As we struggled with making the panels, there were moments that reminded us of the profound power of nature. In growing the mycelium, we applied an anti-mold agent to prevent mold, but still, mold started growing before we noticed. I was troubled, but I also felt the strong ability of fungi and microorganisms to survive.

Ito: There were both difficult and interesting aspects of dealing with living creatures.

Tanaka: Despite the many difficulties we faced, this project’s greatest achievement was being able to go through the trial-and-error process of using mycelium as a building material—a way of directly harnessing the power of fungi for the benefit of society. A months-long exhibition at the Expo may also bring to light issues that we cannot yet see. However, these are challenges that we would inevitably have to overcome as we work toward the practical application of mycelium in society. I am excited to witness this major step toward that goal.

Ito: Mycelium has great potential as a building material. Its strength per unit weight is said to be higher than that of brick. It is also water-repellent, fire-resistant, and biodegradable, meaning it can return to the soil. Around the world, there are still very few attempts to construct buildings with such materials. Through this exhibition, I hope to gain evidence that we can show the world.

The Exhibition Expands the Senses of Children and the Potential of Natural Materials

Miura: The mycelium panel is the result of the combined efforts of the three companies. What did you think when you saw the panels installed in the Biosensory Dome?

Ito: Inside the dome, I could smell the unique scent of the mycelium, and the natural texture of the panels—each with a different color and feel—gave me the sense that the space we had envisioned would be achieved.

Hara: From the prototype stage, the level of uniformity was a key point of discussion. Ultimately, we could have created a completely white and flat mycelium panel, but we thought that doing so would lose the meaning of using mycelium in the first place.

Ito: By adopting a standard that preserves the subtle color differences of each panel and the fluffy, uneven texture that is unique to mycelium, the final product offers a true sense of nature.

Miura: I am excited to see what visitors, especially children, will take away from the natural textures we have created. I feel that in today’s world, we are surrounded by an overwhelming amount of digital information and are desperately trying to pick out what we need to live. I hope the Biosensory Dome will be a place where people can put aside this information and use their senses, such as touch and smell, to gain something and recharge their energy.

Ito: In my opinion, nature is, in fact, the stimulus that provides the greatest amount of information. The natural world is full of irregularities and ambiguity, brimming with noise in a good sense. The Biosensory Dome is a place where people can experience the processing of huge amounts of information—far greater than those of digital information—through their senses. I would be happy if visiting the dome helps open up children’s senses, and the way they see the streets they walk through and the towns they live in changes, even just a little, when they return to their daily lives.