SUPERSTUDIO 2024 - DOMESTICATED FOODSCAPES - EAST LABORATORY - EPFL

Synopsis:

In the Emmental valley, where rolling meadows and grazing cows shape the dairy-driven landscape, small farms are struggling for their existence against powerful agri-food giants. But one farm finds a way out: Transforming their outdated pigsty to grow shrimp in indoor swimming pools. The success is phenomenal and the shrimp-boom sweeps the valley. Soon the entire economy of the region turns to this lucrative crustacean. Shrimp-fondue, shrimp-après-ski, even a shrimp-lobby… profits skyrocket! But can we not find an alternative to this future of mono-culture? Can a closer collaboration between the valley's farms not offer a more resilient and ecological future? 

Authors: Felix Balling, Adrien Fleischer Emilie Hamel, Emile Jourcin, Carolina Pichler, Melina Schechinger