Fusing Architecture and Sustainability
Meet art/biology major, music minor Sakura Azzopardi.
Hometown: Silverton, British Columbia, Canada
Thesis advisers: Professor Juniper Harrower [art] and Professor Aaron Ramirez [biology]
Thesis: “Reimagining the Built Environment Through Mycelium-based Composites”
What it’s about: My thesis explores bioutilization of saprophytic fungi for sustainable building materials. On the experimentation side, I’ve been cultivating what’s called mycelium-based composites. I’ve been using two different species of mushrooms that eat waste products, cultivating rectangular panels that can be used for home insulation or sound-dampening panels. My art process has been inspired by my scientific work, so at the same time I’m creating sculpture and multimedia art with this growing, living material. My whole worldview has honestly been really challenged and transformed by the thesis process.
What it’s really about: Bioutilization of saprophytic fungi in sustainable design.
Influential professor: Gerri Ondrizek [art] was really impactful for helping me connect with alumni in the field that I’m interested in. She really encouraged me to be an ad hoc art and biology major. I owe a lot to her, and would probably be some other major if I hadn’t met Gerri.
Outside the classroom: For the past three years, I’ve been one of the managers for the Backpack Co-op. I became a wilderness first responder my sophomore year during Paideia, which was very monumental for me. I’ve been involved in a lot of event planning and trip leading through that space.
Cool stuff: I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, and I got to take an architecture class, which was very impactful for me. The amount of students that get the opportunity to study abroad [at Reed] is so phenomenal. I learned so much about the world and about myself.
What gave me joy: Music has been a huge part of my time at Reed. I’ve been playing the violin since I was four and a half. I’ve been in orchestra, chamber music, and performed at Renn Fayre in a folk music group I started with my friends. That’s been something that keeps me sane.
Financial aid: It was a big impact for me. And the financial resources in the summertime allow students of different backgrounds to pursue what they’re passionate about. Financial aid opened up so many doors for me that I didn’t know were possible.
How Reed changed me: Reed creating such a safe space for freedom of expression has been very impactful for me. It’s really beautiful to see students being able to be whoever they want to be. I gained a lot more confidence and belief in myself.
What’s next: A bio-art residency at the Zymoglyphic Museum here in Portland. Longer term, I’m planning to apply for a landscape architecture master’s.
Tags: Academics, Performing Arts, Students, Thesis, What is a Reedie?