Moulds and Formwork for Grown Objects
Design and fabricate reusable moulds and formwork that let mycelium grow into precise, repeatable shapes.
Programme identification
- 1.1Programme name
- Moulds and Formwork for Grown Objects
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Mycelium Design & Architecture. A Fungaris programme of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own programme, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: 11 January 2027 to 2 April 2027. Enrolment closes on 4 January 2027. Following intake: 8 March 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Programme description
This course is about the tools that give grown objects their shape. You will learn how mycelium behaves inside a mould, which mould materials can be reused and cleaned, and how to model moulds digitally so they release cleanly and support even growth. Practical techniques include vacuum forming, 3D printed moulds, multi-part moulds and simple formwork for larger elements, together with demoulding strategies and the option of letting parts grow further once released.
Mould design is where many mycelium projects succeed or fail: poor tooling leads to weak corners, contamination and pieces that cannot be repeated. Good moulds make precise, consistent results achievable even in a small studio. The course suits product designers, model makers and architects who are comfortable with basic digital modelling. Live sessions include demonstrations of mould making and reviews of participants' designs. In the final project you design and document a reusable mould or formwork system for a specific grown object, including drawings, material choices and a demoulding sequence.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in design & architecture, useful in areas such as product design and model making, architecture and building components, digital fabrication, biomaterials manufacturing.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This programme gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgement and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the programme able to apply its content professionally and with judgement. In short:
Design and fabricate reusable moulds and formwork that let mycelium grow into precise, repeatable shapes.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Principles of growing into form; Mould materials and reusability.
- Put them into practice: Digital modelling for moulds; Vacuum forming and 3D printed moulds.
- Apply everything to a real case: Demoulding and post-growth; Formwork for large elements.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your tutor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Design moulds with draft, venting and split lines suited to mycelium growth.
- Select mould materials based on reusability, cleaning and cost.
- Model moulds digitally and prepare files for fabrication.
- Plan demoulding and post-growth steps to protect fragile parts.
- Develop formwork strategies for larger grown elements.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Product designers, model makers and architects.
4.2Entry requirements
Basic experience with a 3D modelling tool is recommended. Access to a 3D printer or vacuum former is helpful but not essential.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Mould and tooling designer for biomaterial products
- Model maker in a biodesign studio
- Architectural designer developing grown components
- Digital fabrication specialist for grown objects
- Prototype technician at a materials start-up
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Principles of growing into form | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Mould materials and reusability | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Digital modelling for moulds | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Vacuum forming and 3D printed moulds | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Demoulding and post-growth | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Formwork for large elements | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- How mycelium fills a cavity
- Draft angles and release
- Ventilation and moisture in moulds
- Plastic, silicone and wood moulds
- Cleaning and disinfection
- Designing for many cycles
- Modelling from object to mould
- Split lines and multi-part moulds
- Preparing files for fabrication
- Vacuum forming basics
- Printing mould parts
- Comparing tooling costs and times
- Timing the demould
- Handling fragile parts
- Second growth and fusing pieces
- Formwork principles at scale
- Modular and reusable formwork
- Supports, access and handling
5.3Company placement
This programme does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A documented reusable mould or formwork system for a specific grown object, with drawings, materials and a demoulding sequence.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your tutor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 6 hours a week for 12 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Progress is assessed through live session participation, module design exercises and file reviews. The final mould system is reviewed by the tutor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your tutor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Design & Architecture school coordinates the content and quality of this programme. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The tutor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrolment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
10.3Deadlines
Enrolment for the intake starting on 11 January 2027 is open until 4 January 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: £340
- Full payment before the start: £272 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation (£136) and 3 monthly instalments of £68.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organisation. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the programme and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for cancelling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrolment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Moulds and Formwork for Grown Objects?
Basic experience with a 3D modelling tool is recommended. Access to a 3D printer or vacuum former is helpful but not essential.
How is Moulds and Formwork for Grown Objects taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through live session participation, module design exercises and file reviews. The final mould system is reviewed by the tutor.
What is the final project?
A documented reusable mould or formwork system for a specific grown object, with drawings, materials and a demoulding sequence.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the programme and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognises them depends on that organisation and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Moulds and Formwork for Grown Objects?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycelium Product Design.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This programme does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Keep branching.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly instalments. All prices are stated in pounds sterling (GBP).