Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Speculating Future Food: Cancer Cells, Food Boundaries and Design Fiction

Shuaiwen Peng*
THE GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, 167 Renfrew Street Glasgow, G3 6RQ, Scotland, United Kingdom, The Glasgow School of Art

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Food is closely connected to everyday habits, cultural identity and ideas of safety. Environmental contamination and emerging food technologies, however, have raised questions about how these ideas might change. Taking concerns surrounding nuclear contamination as its starting point, this paper considers a hypothetical future in which access to conventional food sources becomes severely restricted. Within this setting, cancer cells are introduced as an unusual visual reference for exploring the boundary between food and bodily tissue. The project involves eight food-like prototypes inspired by the morphological characteristics of cancerous tissue. Resin clay, pigments and transparent gel were used to reproduce selected textures and forms, while Japanese Omakase presentation conventions provided a recognisable dining context. The research follows a Research through Design approach, combining visual research, material experiments and iterative prototyping. Particular attention was given to the relationship between biological appearance and food presentation. The design process revealed difficulties in maintaining both qualities within the same object. Some prototypes appeared too similar to medical specimens, while others lost their biological associations when presented as refined dishes. Adjustments to surface treatment, scale and arrangement helped establish a visual balance. The resulting work examines how presentation can influence the perceived identity of an object. It does not propose cancer cells as an edible material, but uses their imagery to question familiar distinctions between food, the human body and cultural taboo

Keywords: Future Food; Speculative Design; Food Design; Cancer Cells; Research through Design
Published: November 10, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.38821
Volume: CHR Vol.124
pp. 176-182
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