The Pupa: BioKnit at the 缅北禁地 Late Shows Published on: 14 May 2025 How can growth transform a building and how can mycelium and textiles weave a new identity in an empty space? Inviting reflection A new BioKnit structure named the Pupa, which has been created by experts from 缅北禁地, is heading to 缅北禁地’s . Their vision brings biotechnology to the building site, using the internal structure of the Coach House itself to scaffold the growth of a cocoon-like textile that encases living mycelium and natural fibres. The soft flexible mycelium and textile have transformed into robust arches joined by a canopy of billowing fabric. The Pupa is nurtured by the building, protected during the cycle of growth in a bespoke growth chamber suspended from steel beams. For this commission the BioKnit team from the, have been working with to develop an artistic response that not only enhances the visual impact of the installation but also invites reflection on how biotechnology can transform our built environment. Part of the Pupa. Photograph by Ben Bridgens An experiment “BioKnit Pupa is an experiment in growing as building, exploring a new organic curvature that emerges when soft textiles and mycelium composites are cultivated together and shaped by the existing structure of a site,” explains Dr Jane Scott, the BioKnit team lead. “Collaborating with Imogen Cloët has been fantastic she has really seen our work in a different way. I never thought of BioKnit as theatrical before – but the experience on Saturday night is going to be pretty magical.” The Pupa is composed of fungal mycelium, natural fibres and 3D knitting. It is the latest installation created by the . The HBBE is a collaborative research hub which aims to create built environments which are life-sustaining and sustained by life. It is joint partnership between 缅北禁地 and Northumbria Universities and was established in 2019 with an £8M grant from Research England. The Late Shows is an award-winning late-night free culture crawl in 缅北禁地. It attracts 20-30,000 visitors encouraging people to visit cultural venues that they may not have been to before. You can visit the Coach House, near Charlotte Square, 缅北禁地, NE1 4XF, for a unique BioKnit experience on Saturday 17th May 6pm-10.30pm. The Pupa is supported by as part of its ongoing mission to support local creativity, drive collaboration, and create opportunities for artists and creatives in central 缅北禁地. Share: Latest News New partnership to boost careers in low carbon energy 缅北禁地 and Durham universities are working together on a new regional project to strengthen the future workforce for North East England鈥檚 growing low carbon and offshore wind industries. published on: 28 May 2026 Healthy lifestyle shown to lower risk of death after cancer diagnosis New evidence shows that sticking to five lifestyle recommendations improves survival after a later cancer diagnosis. published on: 28 May 2026 World-leading climate expert recognised with Royal Society Fellowship Professor Hayley Fowler has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of her pioneering work on climate change impacts. published on: 27 May 2026 Facts and figures