Shelf-life: Old kitchen tricks inspire designer

De Brabander started by interviewing elders, and soon began applying folk knowledge to contemporary objects. ‘My conclusion from my research was that our attitude towards food has changed so drastically in such a short period,’ she tells LS:N Global. ‘It is important that when elderly people die that they don’t leave us behind without this information.’

Examples from the designer’s Preserved Knowledge collection include a cheese box made from translucent rubber that features a place for sugar to regulate humidity and prevent the cheese from spoiling. An apple-holder is inspired by traditional apple racks that kept apples apart, increasing shelf-life.

This is a great example of how Revivalism does not always mean an old-time aesthetic. See our Shows section for the forthcoming LS:N Global review of Dutch Design Week.