Poma/Olera - setting a future food table

From Ancient Rhythms to Future Tables

Poma/Olera is a long-term research project by House of Thol that explores how design can influence food behavior. Drawing from age-old preservation methods, seasonal awareness, and material logic, the project responds to urgent issues like food waste and disconnection from nature. Its name, referencing fruit (poma) and vegetables (olera), reflects the dual focus of the research and the universal nature of the topic.

A Curated, Tactile Installation

For Dutch Design Week, Poma/Olera culminates in a sensory installation that sets the table for the future — literally. The curated presentation includes functional food-saving designs, conscious storage systems, and visual storytelling based on years of research. Visitors are invited to reflect, interact, and imagine new daily rituals around food. It’s a design-led experience that connects the dots between individual behavior and global sustainability.

Practical Tools Rooted in Nature’s Logic

This is not a speculative showcase: many of the solutions are hands-on and ready to be used in daily life. From terracotta-based cooling to ethylene separation techniques, each element in the installation stems from a deep understanding of natural processes. Poma/Olera illustrates how design can empower small changes with big impact — offering visitors hopeful, practical tools to take home, and a vision for a more conscious tomorrow.