With her 'Desires of the Flesh' project, Central Saint Martins Material Futures graduate Cathrine Disney asks: "as a vegan, how can I morally indulge my insatiable desire for meat?"
The project offers a visceral, sensory solution for replacing meat-centric eating rituals in a plant-based lifestyle with three alternatives—Skin, Bone and Flesh. Each artifact was designed to tap into the "sin and eroticism of indulging in meat eating," but ultimately looks to celebrate vegan principles, all the while providing gratification without the guilt or shame.
From plant-based burgers that "bleed" to all-vegan "butcher" shops, a growing number of hyperrealistic concepts surrounding meat are being created, catering to those who choose to adopt plant-based diets for ethical reasons more than their aversion to the taste of meat.
Sensory Eating Projects
'Desires of the Flesh' Replaces Meat-Eating Rituals in a Vegan Lifestyle
Trend Themes
1. Hyperrealistic Meat Substitutes - The rise of hyperrealistic meat substitutes offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for the food industry to cater to the growing demand for plant-based diets without compromising taste or texture.
2. Sensory Dining Experiences - Creating sensory dining experiences that tap into the sin and indulgence associated with meat eating provides an opportunity for the hospitality industry to cater to vegan consumers and enhance their dining rituals.
3. Vegan Artifacts and Rituals - Designing vegan artifacts and rituals that mimic the sensory aspects of meat consumption presents an innovative opportunity for the design industry to bridge the gap between ethical choices and indulgence.
Industry Implications
1. Food - The food industry has an opportunity to innovate by developing more hyperrealistic meat substitutes that cater to the ethical concerns of consumers while offering a satisfying culinary experience.
2. Hospitality - The hospitality industry can create immersive sensory dining experiences that replicate the indulgence of meat eating, providing an enticing option for vegan consumers.
3. Design - The design industry can explore the creation of vegan artifacts and rituals that celebrate vegan principles while tapping into the sin and eroticism traditionally associated with meat consumption.