During the 2025 edition of 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen, MycoWorks presented Reishi in the Nordic Light, a curated exhibition highlighting the intersection of Danish design heritage and emerging biomaterials. The showcase is particularly relevant for interior and product designers, as well as furniture manufacturers seeking low-impact material alternatives that align with principles of sustainability, circularity, and material innovation.

Exploring a New Generation of Biomaterials

The featured material, Reishi, is a novel textile engineered from Fine Mycelium—a root-like structure found in fungi. Developed through a biotechnological process, Reishi offers a leather-like appearance and tactile quality without the use of animal products or plastics. It provides a durable, flexible, and visually appealing alternative suited for applications in interiors and beyond.

As a grown material rather than a manufactured one, Reishi contributes to lower resource use and offers potential for circular design approaches. Its development reflects a shift towards regenerative material systems that address both performance and environmental impact.

Danish Design Through a Contemporary Lens

Curated by Marie-Louise Høstbo, the collection brings together five Danish designers and studios—OEO Studio, Frederik Gustav, Cecilie Manz, Maria Bruun, and atelier axo—who reinterpret traditional design values through Reishi. Their work maintains the core tenets of Danish design—simplicity, functionality, and attention to materiality—while exploring how new biomaterials can shape future aesthetics.

One example is the Eaves Lamp by atelier axo, a reconfigurable wall light combining metal and Reishi. The lamp exemplifies the interplay between engineered precision and the organic tactility of the material. Varying textures and forms are used to modulate light and highlight Reishi’s surface qualities, offering both visual and haptic engagement.

Light, Texture, and Sustainable Storytelling

The concept of Nordic light, central to the exhibition, plays a significant role in revealing the material’s depth and versatility. Each piece in the collection considers how light interacts with Reishi’s texture, creating a dynamic experience that links material innovation with traditional craftsmanship.

Together, the designs propose a responsible approach to interior product development—prioritising sustainable materials without compromising quality or design integrity.

Broader Applications Across Design Disciplines

While the exhibition focuses on interiors, Reishi also presents potential in other sectors such as fashion, automotive interiors, and premium packaging. For designers looking to combine aesthetic appeal with environmental responsibility, it offers a material solution that is both contemporary and forward-looking.

Source: MycoWorks
Photos: Armin-Tehrani / MycoWorks