Ento-mediate

Abstract

This study is an investigation into entomophagy (insect eating by humans) as a practice that could enrich a culinary experience and thereby create a sense of ‘place’ in the urban context of Pretoria. Entomophagy is as old as man itself, but has suffered under globalised trends in food production and consumption. Humans are furthest removed from the origins and growth medium of the food they consume as food has become merely a commodity. The investigation entails exploring how architecture can be a cognitive tool and mediating device between food production processes and the public consumer. By bringing awareness and value to insects as food, the study hopes to redirect prejudices and open up new thoughts and behaviours in the food industry.