What is it?
The vertical dining experience is a set of stacked dishes. Made by Eleni & Coline, this totem-like tower aims to encourage a connection with nature and food. As graduates from the Design academy in Eindhoven, the Netherlands the designers of this installation want to slow down the process of eating. The plates are all closed, stimulating the diner to re-discover and value the various dishes inside. The order of the dishes is very thoughtful. Each plate has a special connection to nature. The top layers contain foods that humans find in higher places, such as figs. The bottom ones contain foods such as carrots and beetroot, found in low places. Moving downwards through these various tiers make the eating process a more mindful experience.
Why is it cool?
This concept is unique because it challenges our current way of dealing with foods. It goes against the fast-paced and unthoughtful consumption of meals. Instead, it slows down the consumption process and lets you appreciate and discover the foods you eat. The order of the dishes makes you aware of the food’s origin which makes you connect to nature in a different way. The designers want to challenge the status quo.
Another cool thing is that the designers were inspired by ancient traditions. So-called deipnosofists were ancient Greek that came together to discuss what was on their table and plate.
Why does it have future growth potential?
This vertical dining experience shows that there is a need to slow down and re-connect. Both with the process of eating and the orgin of the foods we consume. In the future it could happen that the number of people mindfully consuming will rise. Because humanity is challenging its limits and morals, now is the time to doubt our habits and ways of living. Our perception and appreciation towards connection with nature and our basic needs can change. Up for a mindful future?
5 comments
Mindfulness is on the rise, for all the right reasons. So why not Mindful Eating, mindful dinner arrangements. It lifts you up above the instantaneous consumer thrifts that characterizes our society, and with it us all. This might also limit the Future Growth Potential of this Vertical Dinner Experience. Many will simply be too stressed to eat this way all the time. Which, when & if we do, will make the experience extra special, extra intimate, extra intense.
Totally understand this Cool Seed, but it’s a niche so not going to go mainstream. I can see it working in a luxurious restaurant but not at KFC or other similar popular food chains
Yes indeed, this seed was very hard to even Google at all. Its philosophy has potential to grow bigger, not exactly in this form, I agree with that.
i find this a good idea but this is not going to work everywhere such as fastfood but it will maybe will work in restaurants
I find this idea of mindful eating great. As people are warming up to the idea of healthy eating, mindfulness, exercise etc… It cool to imagine that people will more likely pay attention to what they eat. This type of food presentation forces you to look back at nature, yourself and ensure that one is truly “what they eat”