A New Renaissance. There is no light but darkness

Abstract

This article draws a parallel between the Middle Ages and the present, highlighting today's environmental and societal challenges. Just as the harsh conditions of medieval times eventually led to the Renaissance-a period of significant artistic and scientific advancement-current issues may pave the way for a "Bio-Renaissance" grounded in biology and sustainability. The focus is on using fungi and mycelium as sustainable building materials, inspired by recent research and projects like NASA's. These materials offer benefits such as biodegradability, resilience, and thermal efficiency, with applications in various industries, including architecture and medicine. The proposal aims to leverage these innovations to establish a circular economy model, contributing to a more eco-friendly and self-sustaining society.