'Cocoon' is the winner of Electrolux Design Lab 2009

Swedish design student Rickard Hederstierna from Lund University wins Electrolux Design Lab 2009 with his concept 'Cocoon', the meat and fish maker.

'Cocoon' is a sustainable response to the world’s growing population and its desire to consume meat and fish. Similar to heating popcorn in a microwave, Cocoon prepares pre-packaged meat and fish dishes by heating muscle cells identified by radio frequency identification (RFID) signals. The signals detect the specific dish and then suggest the required cooking time. This process uses science to create food, lifting a burden on the planet by reducing the need for further intensive farming and fishing.

Jury's motivation: “Cocoon addresses a controversial issue that is very real: humankind’s continued desire to eat meat and fish. A great design concept polarizes opinion, and this is exactly what Cocoon achieves by exploring this issue. An inviting, tactile design, the Cocoon resembles a gemstone with a metal accent reflecting the heritage of the Swedish art-glass industry. Cocoon meets all of the brief’s criteria: it is daring, cutting edge and truly innovative in its focus on social and environmental issues.” 

The Electrolux Design Lab 2009 award is a prize of EUR 5,000 and a six-month paid internship at one of Electrolux global design centers.