Can architecture heal the soundscape of a city? This research explored the potential of mycelium-grown acoustic panels, crafted from local waste materials, to reduce urban noise pollution while promoting a circular economy.

Partnering with Barcelona’s cork industry and local farms, the project identified two underutilized resources: granulated cork waste from champagne cork production and hemp hurd waste from agriculture. These materials were combined into a biodegradable, sound-absorbing substrate, reinforced and bound by oyster mushroom mycelium—a natural, self-assembling material known for its acoustic and air-purifying properties.

The design process integrated computational acoustic modeling to analyze urban noise sources, optimizing the lightweight, modular panels for maximum sound absorption. The system was designed to be affixed to existing facades, providing an adaptable solution for reducing both noise and airborne toxins in high-traffic areas.

The research culminated in a 1:2 scale prototype and a site-specific proposal for Eixample, one of Barcelona’s noisiest districts. By leveraging local waste streams and nature’s own building materials, this project reimagines how architecture can contribute to a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable city.
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