Metanoia+ is an exhibition featuring mycelium-based design prototypes by Monash University students, alongside K5 designer furniture and products utilising a circular design approach. The exhibition is open from Monday 14th to Saturday 19th November, with an industry launch on Wednesday 16th November.

In 2021, K5 Furniture collaborated with Monash University, to partner on a product design studio utilising mycelium. The Phenomenal Fungi design studio held in Semester 1, 2022 was led by Lecturer Gyungju Chyon, the Program Director of Spatial Design at Monash University.

The Monash University studio collaboration is an evolution of the ongoing program led by CEO, Erna Walsh, in collaborations with Australian designers.

The ‘K5 Circularity program supports research into circular design, emerging materials, and product design with Australian designers and manufacturers. The program forms part of the K5 Sustainability + Circularity Strategy.

To enable greater engagement with industry peers and feedback we have assembled an industry panel which will be held on Tuesday 15th November. The panel will review the mycelium-based design prototypes, discuss commercialisation, and provide commentary on circular design, regional designers, and makers. Stay tuned for information on our industry panel and their feedback.

We invite you to join us at the exhibition to talk circularity, trends, renewable materials. We will be running a voting platform throughout the exhibition to engage you in feedback on the most viable product design for future development. We look forward to hearing your insights and views on this fascinating topic.

A booklet on the mycelium design prototypes will be available to assist with judging and feedback for those unable to attend the exhibition.

Metanoia - means to change one’s mind; to expand it in such a way as to have a new perspective on the world or oneself.

Cover Image: Torch

Designers: Sovannlee jimmy Bunche, Kenny Kouch, Natkanok Onratn

Image this page: Wave Wood

Designers: Zihan Zhou, Lang Gu

Photographs: Adam Thomas