Design for Circularity with Biomaterials
Apply circular design strategies to mycelium and other biomaterials, from residue streams to disassembly, reuse and composting.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Design for Circularity with Biomaterials
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Mycelium Design & Architecture. A Fungaris program 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 program, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: January 11, 2027 to April 2, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 4, 2027. Following intake: March 8, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
This course applies circular design thinking to mycelium and other biomaterials. You will review the principles of the circular economy, the distinction between biological and technical cycles, and how residue streams can become the starting point of a product rather than its end. Practical modules cover design for disassembly, composting and reuse pathways, and the business models that make circular products viable over time.
Biomaterials are often promoted as automatically sustainable, but a compostable material glued to plastic parts or shipped across the world may undo its advantages. Circular design gives designers a structured way to make choices that hold up under scrutiny. The course suits designers, architects and sustainability professionals who want to integrate circular strategies into their projects. Live sessions combine frameworks with case analyses of products and buildings. In the final project you redesign an existing product or component using biomaterials and circular principles, mapping its material flows from residue source through use to recovery.
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 Circular economy and sustainability consultancy, Product and packaging design, Architecture and construction, Public and regional innovation programs.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This program gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgment and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the program able to apply its content professionally and with judgment. In short:
Apply circular design strategies to mycelium and other biomaterials, from residue streams to disassembly, reuse and composting.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Circular economy principles; Biological and technical cycles.
- Put them into practice: Residue streams as resources; Design for disassembly.
- Apply everything to a real case: Composting, reuse and recovery; Circular business models.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your professor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Apply circular economy frameworks to biomaterial products.
- Distinguish biological and technical cycles in product design.
- Identify residue streams that can become material inputs.
- Design products for disassembly, repair and recovery.
- Propose circular business models suited to biomaterial products.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Designers, architects and sustainability professionals.
4.2Entry requirements
No prior knowledge of circular economy is required. Familiarity with design or product development is helpful.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Circular design consultant
- Sustainability manager for a product brand
- Architect applying circular principles
- Designer developing take-back or reuse products
- Project manager in circular economy initiatives
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Circular economy principles | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Biological and technical cycles | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Residue streams as resources | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Design for disassembly | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Composting, reuse and recovery | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Circular business models | 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.
- Origins of circular thinking
- Key frameworks and strategies
- Limits of circular claims
- Biological nutrients
- Technical nutrients
- Avoiding mixed, unrecoverable materials
- Identifying residue streams
- Industrial symbiosis
- Local loops and logistics
- Mechanical versus adhesive joints
- Mono-material strategies
- Designing for repair
- Industrial and home composting
- Reuse and refurbishment
- Material recovery routes
- Product-as-a-service
- Take-back schemes
- Value retention over time
5.3Company placement
This program does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A circular redesign of an existing product or component using biomaterials, with a complete material flow map.
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 professor 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 participation in live sessions, module exercises such as material flow maps, and the final redesign project reviewed by the professor.
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 professor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
The Design & Architecture at Fungaris coordinates the content and quality of this program. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The professor of each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Accreditations are assessed according to the training completed and the local regulations of 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 enrollment
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
Enrollment for the intake starting on January 11, 2027 is open until January 4, 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: $450
- Full payment before the start: $360 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($180) and 3 monthly installments of $90.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organization. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the program 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 canceling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrollment 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 Design for Circularity with Biomaterials?
No prior knowledge of circular economy is required. Familiarity with design or product development is helpful.
How is Design for Circularity with Biomaterials 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 participation in live sessions, module exercises such as material flow maps, and the final redesign project reviewed by the professor.
What is the final project?
A circular redesign of an existing product or component using biomaterials, with a complete material flow map.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Accreditations are assessed according to the training completed and the local regulations of each country.
What can I study after Design for Circularity with Biomaterials?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycelium Product Design.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This program 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 installments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).