‘Heston’s Dinner in Space’ Documentary
Experience-Based Food Packaging - 2015
Watch the Full Documentary on Apple TV:
OBJECTIVE:
Develop a design-led concept exploring how food and mealtimes can be experienced in space, in collaboration with Heston Blumenthal, NASA, and Channel 4 for the documentary Heston's Dinner in Space. The project investigated how design could enhance the emotional and sensory experience of astronauts during long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station.
SCOPE:
Concept Development
Experience Design
Packaging Design
IDEA:
The concept centred on using storytelling as a design tool to reconnect astronauts with life on Earth. Through crafted and interactive formats, the experience unfolded via layered visuals inspired by Tim Peake’s personal memories including family, childhood and defining life moments.
The project explored how emotional connection and familiarity could become part of the dining experience in space, transforming food from functional sustenance into a reflective and sensory ritual.
EXECUTION:
The concept took form as lightweight, interactive food packaging trays that opened like books, revealing personal narratives in a tactile and immersive way.
The work translated memory into experience, introducing familiarity, emotion and reflection into an otherwise highly controlled environment. Through materiality, sequencing and storytelling, the project proposed an alternative approach to space dining rooted in human connection and emotional wellbeing.
FOOD PACKAGING AND STILLS FROM THE DOCUMENTARY:
IMPACT:
Featured in Heston's Dinner in Space, broadcast on Channel 4 and reaching a wide national and on-demand on Apple TV audience in UK any beyond
Part of a high-profile collaboration with NASA and Heston Blumenthal, increasing visibility across design, media and scientific communities
Contributed to conversations around life in space by highlighting emotional wellbeing and human connection aboard the International Space Station
Demonstrated the role of design as a storytelling tool within interdisciplinary, real-world contexts
CREDITS:
Client: NASA / Channel 4
Collaboration: Heston Blumenthal, NASA, Channel 4, and LCC Masters students
Concept Designers: Clorama Dorvilias, Wajeeha Abbasi, Matthew Lyall
Execution Team: Lorenzo Davitti, Anabelle Alias, Saachi Mehta, Tianju Duan
Cover Photograph: David Levene / The Guardian