Future Food Habits

Polifactory Fab Lab and Makerspace announce the new edition of Open Polifactory, a series of events to explore complex issues in contemporary design research.

The 2025/26 edition, Future Food Habits, is held in partnership with the Circular Food System Lab and focuses on the evolving relationship between design, food, and innovation. From October to February, researchers, professors, and professionals are invited to discuss the future of food and food systems, with particular attention to the designer’s role within these transformations.

Through a series of talks, the program explores how contemporary needs are reshaping traditional food systems.

Talk Schedule:

Future Food Habits. Food Labs and Food System Innovation

October 30, 2025, 6:30 pm, Polifactory

The first event will focus on the role of Food Labs as catalysts for change within the food ecosystem. The discussion will explore how these hybrid and experimental spaces can foster sustainability, innovation, and new practices to respond to contemporary challenges in food production and consumption.

The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Stefano Maffei (Moderator), Patrizia Marti, Sonia Massari, and Rick N. J. Schifferstein.

The event will conclude with an open discussion with the audience.

Registration via Eventbrite is required.

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Food for Extreme Environments. How to shape our future eating experience

November 19, 2025, 6:30 pm, Polifactory

The second event, hosted by Stefano Maffei, will explore how research, design, and technological innovation can contribute to shaping food systems and experiences in extreme contexts from Antarctica to outer space. The discussion will address how food design and experimental practices can support sustainability, efficiency, and wellbeing where environmental and logistical conditions challenge conventional approaches to food production and consumption.

The event will feature a remote connection from the Concordia Antarctic Station with Gabriele Carugati - Winter Station Leader for the 22nd winter campaign, Riccardo Scipinotti - Summer Station Leader for the XLI Italian Antarctic Campaign, Simone Marcolin - Summer Chef for the XLI Italian Antarctic Campaign, Laerte Picano - Overwintering Chef returning from the XXI Winter Campaign, and a talk by Francesco Bombardi on food design and innovation in space. The session will conclude with an open discussion with the audience.

Registration on Eventbrite is required.