Possible scenarios for application of new technologies at each step of food chain

Future Food District (#FFD) presents possible scenarios for the application of new technologies at each step of the food chain. It is a micro universe in which the visitor is invited to explore different interactions between people and food. The project is managed by Carlo Ratti, Director of the SENSEable City Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, together with Carlo Ratti Associates design studio. The #FFD is located on the south side of the Expo site where there is also the Open Air Theater and the walkway which connects with Cascina Merlata.

Future Food District according to Carlo Ratti

What story does it tell?
Future Food District is a micro universe that explores new ways for people and food to interact. This interaction is possible thanks to the use of new technologies and by applying the Internet of Things concept. Inside, we reflect on how food is and will be produced, distributed, prepared and consumed in the future. Through a solid information network we will be able to interact more with products and producers in order to develop a greater awareness of what we consume.

Can you give us three reasons to visit?
The first reason to visit this part of the exhibition is actually the space itself where technologies and natural elements co-exist, making the visit here an engaging and surprising experience. Another reason is to try a unique and interactive supermarket experience where everyone can be a producer and consumer at the same time. Finally, the third reason is to experiment with the use of smart technologies in the Kitchen with the help of professional chefs.

What is your vision of the future?
In the Future Food District man is at the center of a food chain that is more autonomous and sustainable thanks to the use of new technologies. As a result, the interaction between consumers and products goes back to being transparent and honest thanks to the sharing of information.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Paradoxically, the inspiration for this project comes from the past, when the place where one exchanged goods was where relationships were formed. The production and distribution chain was clearer and consumers knew more about the food they were eating. Through new technologies we become connected once again to the real world, eliminating barriers between consumers and producers in order to have a more direct relationship with food.

How did you interpret the theme?
The central theme Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life is interpreted here through the principles of awareness and interaction made possible thanks to the use of new technologies. These allow us to obtain information and directly interact with products and producers by using these technologies. We are given a real network that interacts with all things in the world, allowing us to understand each step of the food chain.

In what way do you communicate with visitors?
The Future Food District pavilions are highly interactive. Inside the supermarket it is possible to enjoy a shopping experience via flat screens, displays and interactive tables. In the kitchen pavilion it is possible to experiment with new ways of preparing food and the main square that connects the two pavilions is an ideal place for interacting and exchanging ideas with others.

The UN's presence in the Future Food District

In the Future Food square District one of the 18 UN installations can be found. In this room, the fourth element of the Zero Hunger Challenge is presented: 100% increase in productivity and income of small-scale farmers.
Doubling the income means doubling the chance to increase their productivity and consumption and get out of the subsistence cycle.
The UN is present with 18 multimedia installations, easily recognizable by their giant blue spoons. These UN Spaces are located in various areas of the site along the itinerary dedicated to the theme “The Zero Hunger Challenge • United for a sustainable world”.

Source: http://www.expo2015.org/