SENSING FOOD

The relationship between human beings and food is not only associated through taste buds but is significantly linked to the other senses such as smell, touch, and sound. The interconnected network of senses interacts with the food in ways that are not obvious to the quotidian observer. Exploration of these interactions can help to unlock the potential of the multisensory experience food has to offer.

SENSING FOOD is a collection of tableware designed to re-imagine the eating experience by provoking the different senses. This collection is a palpable manifestation of the typically perplexing theories of gastrophysics. Shape, texture, sound, and aroma are the physical cues that have been incorporated in the tableware to stimulate the senses. This work can also be viewed as an extrapolation of how the relationship between humans and food will evolve in the future.

SOIL RING

The Soil Ring is designed to create a loop of soil around the food which stimulates olfactory receptors in the nose. This stimulation influences our perception of food in addition to having the unique ability to evoke memories. The soil ring creates an aromatic atmosphere that our body experiences after the first rain. The earthy smell makes the food taste better and ameliorates the mood of the diner. This plate can be used to serve vegetables that have an earthy aroma such as beetroot, radish, potatoes, and mushrooms. 

HAPTIC RIBBON

The Haptic Ribbon is a palm-sized plate that is composed of organic surfaces. The uniqueness of this form is that it creates a new way to interact with the plate. The sense of touch is the earliest interactions with food and profoundly influences the perception of food. In addition to the texture of the food the texture of the tableware is crucial as it makes contact with the fingers and mouth. The plate has a distinct finish to compliment the food being served. Its design urges the diner to pick it up which builds an intimate relationship.

TIDE POOL PLATE

This plate is inspired from the intricate surface texture of a tide pool. The shape and surface profile provides visual cues to the diner which rejuvenates their memories of the time spent by the ocean. This revisiting of memories elevates the food experience and in-turn imprints the mind with new memories associated with food found in the tide pools. This plate is designed with the intent to accompany food associated with the sea such as mussels, seaweed, crustaceans, sea urchins and barnacles. 

COZY CRATER

The Cozy Crater is a nest shaped plate that is meant to serve comfort food. Food is not only about providing the necessary nutrients to the body but also plays a vital role in influencing the human mind. Comfort food, in particular, is known to escalate the mood.  This plate is tailored to be the perfect companion for comfort food. The Cozy Crater is best paired with macaroni and cheese, fish and chips, gnocchi, pot-au-feu, and biryani.

SONIC ECLAIR

The Sonic Eclair is an oblong-shaped dish that plays mellow soundtracks with the Bluetooth speaker enclosed within it. These music tracks are selected to provide the best sonic seasoning to desserts. The optimum combination of sound and food can intensify the taste of the food. This plate is designed to serve the last course of the meal which is typically a sweet dish.

Food Styling and Photography: Saiyyamee Surana