Totem

What it does

Totem, an innovative food preservation unit, replaces traditional refrigerators by segmenting storage areas based on food-specific temperature, light, and humidity needs. This reduces waste and energy use.

Your inspiration

The conception of Totem stemmed from my belief that design can transform the world by bringing innovative and sustainable solutions. Traditional refrigerators consume about 4% of the world’s energy and contribute to a 30% annual food waste, resulting in a loss of $1,500 per household. Faced with these challenges, I drew upon ancient knowledge such as the Zeer pot and modern technologies to create an environmentally-friendly food preservation unit. My goal was to blend these insights to address current needs in a sustainable and efficient manner, while offering a practical and innovative solution for food preservation.

How it works

Totem combines passive and active technologies for optimal food preservation. Inspired by the Zeer pot, it uses evaporative cooling in certain areas, allowing food to be preserved without electricity thanks to double clay walls. The refrigerator and freezer compartments are insulated with a vacuum between two walls, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency. Each compartment is tailored to the specific needs of foods in terms of temperature, humidity, and light. The use of various materials and textures facilitates the identification and use of different storage zones, promoting optimal organization. This technology cuts energy consumption in half compared to a traditional refrigerator and contributes to optimal preservation.

Design process

The design process of Totem began with extensive research into the inefficiencies of current refrigerators, food waste statistics, and sustainable consumption trends. After identifying key issues related to static design, high energy consumption, and the lack of personalization in traditional refrigerators, I developed sketches and 3D models of Totem, focusing on segmentation and diverse materials. Creating a prototype involved integrating sustainable materials and passive cooling technology inspired by the Zeer pot. Collaborations with materials scientists and sustainability experts refined material choices and manufacturing processes. Simultaneously, consultations with potential users were conducted to gather feedback on design, functionality, and user experience, which was incorporated to enhance the practicality and aesthetic appeal of Totem.

How it is different

Totem stands out from similar products with its innovative features: Totem integrates modern and ancestral technologies to reduce its ecological footprint. Inspired by the Zeer pot, it uses evaporative cooling for electricity-free food preservation. It optimizes food preservation by segmenting storage zones based on specific needs like temperature and humidity, aligning with UN Environment Programme guidelines. Totem isn’t just an appliance; it’s customizable furniture that blends seamlessly with various interior styles, offering materials and textures tailored to personal preferences. With vacuum insulation and minimal electricity use, Totem cuts energy consumption by over 50%, simplifying manufacturing and recycling processes.

Future plans

For the future of Totem, the main goal is to streamline the manufacturing process to propose the concept to a large refrigeration group. Passive and modern cooling technologies will be further refined to realize their efficiency and potential in a final product. User feedback will continue to guide improvements in design and functionality, ensuring that Totem meets real consumer needs while promoting sustainable practices in food preservation.

Awards

Totem won the Design Expo competition in France, standing out among 19 candidates and a jury of over 7,000 visitors. It was then featured in numerous major French media outlets, such as Ouest France and Libération.