Molds and Formwork for Grown Objects
Design and fabricate reusable molds and formwork that let mycelium grow into precise, repeatable shapes.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Molds 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 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 is about the tools that give grown objects their shape. You will learn how mycelium behaves inside a mold, which mold materials can be reused and cleaned, and how to model molds digitally so they release cleanly and support even growth. Practical techniques include vacuum forming, 3D printed molds, multi-part molds and simple formwork for larger elements, together with demoulding strategies and the option of letting parts grow further once released.
Mold design is where many mycelium projects succeed or fail: poor tooling leads to weak corners, contamination and pieces that cannot be repeated. Good molds 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 modeling. Live sessions include demonstrations of mold making and reviews of participants' designs. In the final project you design and document a reusable mold 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 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:
Design and fabricate reusable molds and formwork that let mycelium grow into precise, repeatable shapes.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: Principles of growing into form; Mold materials and reusability.
- Put them into practice: Digital modeling for molds; Vacuum forming and 3D printed molds.
- Apply everything to a real case: Demoulding and post-growth; Formwork for large elements.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your professor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Design molds with draft, venting and split lines suited to mycelium growth.
- Select mold materials based on reusability, cleaning and cost.
- Model molds 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 modeling tool is recommended. Access to a 3D printer or vacuum former is helpful but not essential.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Mold 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 | Mold materials and reusability | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Digital modeling for molds | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Vacuum forming and 3D printed molds | 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 molds
- Plastic, silicone and wood molds
- Cleaning and disinfection
- Designing for many cycles
- Modelling from object to mold
- Split lines and multi-part molds
- Preparing files for fabrication
- Vacuum forming basics
- Printing mold 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 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 documented reusable mold 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 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 live session participation, module design exercises and file reviews. The final mold system is 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 Molds and Formwork for Grown Objects?
Basic experience with a 3D modeling tool is recommended. Access to a 3D printer or vacuum former is helpful but not essential.
How is Molds 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 mold system is reviewed by the professor.
What is the final project?
A documented reusable mold or formwork system for a specific grown object, with drawings, materials and a demoulding sequence.
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 Molds 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 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).