On Thursday, 22 October, the inspirational tour The Taste of Tomorrow took place at Nieuw Zwanenburg in Oirschot as part of Dutch Design Week. It was a day that brought together design, food, biobased innovation and meaningful encounters. Participants explored and sampled ideas that contributed to a more sustainable world of tomorrow.
Departing from Eindhoven Central Station, participants travelled by bus to Nieuw Zwanenburg. Along the way, they learned how the estate was contributing to the transition towards regenerative and biobased construction and infrastructure.
The tour was part of the pilot Duurzame CAO Rijk organised by Rijksoverheid, during which trade unions and employers worked together to promote sustainability in everyday working life. As the pilot entered its final phase, the programme provided an opportunity to harvest results while sowing the seeds of new ideas. Through tasting, meeting and exploring, The Taste of Tomorrow demonstrated how food design and biobased innovation could contribute to a more sustainable future.
On arrival, farmer Ad Raaijmakers guided them through the fields of fibre crops and sorghum, explaining how the crops were cultivated and the various ways they could be used. They also met beekeeper Janus Kinderen, who shared his knowledge of bees, biodiversity and the landscape surrounding the farmstead.
The group then visited an exhibition showcasing inspiring projects by emerging designers and makers working in biobased construction and food design. An engaging talk by food designer Fides Lapidaire offered further insight into the world of food innovation. Afterwards, participants gathered for a vegetarian lunch prepared by chef Erling. It was an opportunity to discover new flavours, share experiences and exchange ideas.
After lunch, the group travelled back to Eindhoven, to Ketelhuisplein, the vibrant heart of Dutch Design Week. There, the tour concluded with a visit to the Duurzame CAO Rijk.
Team Nieuw Zwanenburg
Leonne Cuppen, Nina Maaswinkel and Marjan Thielen
Nieuw Zwanenburg Oirschot
Dutch Design Week
17 – 25 October, 2026
ddw.nl
Photography: Dutch Design Daily
