dutch design week, 17-25 oktober 2026 eindhoven

AstroFeast

Reimagining space nutrition, AstroFeast addresses the aesthetic, physiological, and psychological needs of future space travellers.

Hosted by Joanna Cheng

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Entrance fee

Free access

Accessibility

Toilets available

Opening hours

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AstroFeast is a visible, living food that evolves in real-time, creating a truly unique dining experience. This project envisions the possible future of yeast as a space supplement, grounded in the scientific concept of heterologous production of flavour and aroma compounds in the yeast species.

The future with living organisms

The first line of defence for our health in space is the food system. Food is not only essential for human survival, but also a vital part of our everyday life. Dining experiences will play a fundamental role in shaping and enriching our space journeys.

Yeast contains diverse nutritional values, requires minimal storage space, and needs fewer resources. With heterologous production, yeast may evolve into a source capable of generating a wide variety of flavour and aroma compounds. This opens a future where travellers can choose supplements in personalised flavours and colour combinations.

Design the aesthetic with living organisms

The design draws inspiration from jellyfish tentacles and blooming plants, reflecting the dynamic and organic qualities of nature. In preparing the supplement, it brings a gardening-like, soothing experience for travellers.

The CO₂ produced by the yeast enables the container to mimic a blooming process, transforming the supplement into a living companion. This interaction promotes emotional well-being and stress relief, providing space travellers with a sense of peace and familiarity reminiscent of experiences on Earth.

Design the experience

To glimpse this future, you are invited to step into a simulated space capsule, where you will see your reflection savouring the supplement, surrounded by floating vessels and yeast-based sheets.

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The Blooming Space Supplement
The Blooming Space Supplement
Joanna Cheng
The container can be positioned in multiple ways
The container can be positioned in multiple ways
Joanna Cheng
Dried sheets of yeast and sugar
Dried sheets of yeast and sugar
Joanna Cheng
The container drifting inside the space capsule
The container drifting inside the space capsule
Joanna Cheng

programme.hosted_by.about Joanna Cheng

Joanna Cheng is an artist and designer working across speculative design, product design, biodesign, and visual arts to explore critical issues in ecology, health, and the future. Her practice combines interdisciplinary research with narrative-driven design, creating speculative worldviews through objects and interactive experiences that question dominant narratives and envision alternative possibilities.

Colofon

Science Consultant Eric Hwang
Science Consultant Mike Kuo
Touchdesigner collaborator Liyieon Lien