Materiae Fabula: A multi-sensory eating experience
Project by Florian Cascino
Supervised by Rick Schifferstein and Jaap Daalhuizen
As the need for sustainable materials grows, their development has become crucial for the future of our planet. Despite the numerous innovations in this area, the success of these materials largely depends on how well they are accepted by society. As an experiment in bridging this gap, a multi-sensory dining experience has been created, designed to improve public acceptance of biomaterials by weaving sustainability into an engaging and immersive culinary experience.
This project aimed to design an eating experience that would vividly tell the story of BioMineralised Bacterial Cellulose (BMBC), a material produced by bacteria that is fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly. With properties similar to plastic, ceramic, and composites, BMBC presents a promising sustainable alternative for a wide range of applications, from construction to medical devices.
The design process began by clearly defining the goals: to inspire guests to recognize the beauty and value of BMBC and to foster a deeper acceptance of this innovative material. The next step involved researching how to create a truly multi-sensory dining experience. This meant not just focusing on taste but also incorporating elements of sight, sound, touch, and smell to fully engage the senses and enhance the narrative. Inspiration was drawn from other food and eating designers, which informed the decision to create a series of dishes, each representing a different aspect of BMBC’s story.
The outcome was an eight-course menu, with each dish carefully designed to communicate a specific element of BMBC. These dishes were more than just food; they were storytelling devices that together offered a holistic and immersive experience. By guiding guests through this sensory journey, the project successfully showcased the potential of BMBC, leaving a lasting impression that aimed to inspire greater understanding and acceptance of sustainable materials.
