Multi-sensorial Gastronomy

[Clive van Heerden]

The fourth part of the Food Probe, ‘Multi-sensorial Gastronomy’ was shown by our partners Arzak at Madrid Fusion on January 28th. This work was carried out in collaboration with Juan Mari Arzak and his team in San Sebastian, Spain and explores the gastronomic sensory experience beyond the nose and tastebuds .

We had been inspired by the work of Arzak for some time and at our first meeting with the Arzak family, Xavier Gutierrez and Igor Zalakain, it was immediately clear that we had found the relationship we were looking for. The fusion of scientific process and art is in perfect balance in their daunting experimental kitchen. It was very clear that anything interactive or electronic that we made together, had to play a secondary, subtle, backing role to their exquisite creations.

The challenge was to integrate technology into a sensual material , we did not want to use plastic,

Instead we wanted to emphasise the quality and authenticity of bone china. Developing conductive inks and glazes and finding materials for embedded elecctrodes that is consistent with the quality and integrity of the fine dining experience was a challenge. The electrodes are gold. The bases of the plates which house the electronic components , are made of wood and detachable so that the ceramic plate can go into a dishwasher.

“Fama” – named for the moment you step into the limelight for a few minutes of fame – responds to touch. There are 4 zones which become illuminated when touched or when objects are placed on them or removed from the plate. As the food is eaten the “limelights” disappear.

“Bocado da luz” - a bite of light - is a dinner plate with moiré patterns glaced onto the inside of the bone china and an extensive animated led array creating a subtle pulsed light effect around the plate. The pattern density changes which has the effect of diffusing the point source of the led’s. We wanted a subtle lighting effect which would enhance the appearance and drama of the dish without overshadowing it. The intensity, colour and animation can be “choreographed” for different food compositions. As specific frequencies of light can affect our physiological and psychological state, the selection of colour can be more than an aesthetic choice – we can be soothed or stimulated by light.

“Lunar eclipse” is a soup bowl which responds as liquid is poured into the dish. As the soup is eaten the light fades out.

Pics and video to follow…

[Clive van Heerden]

[Camille Baker]

crazy cool