Systems Archives — The Common Table

A Game of Monopoly

24. April 2025
10 minute read

We talk to Canadian political economist Jennifer Clapp about her latest book, “Titans of Industrial Agriculture” and the evolution of an extreme concentration of power that has allowed 12 companies to control most of the world's food production.

Ancient Grains & Other Myths

26. February 2025
10 minute read

Fabio Aranzulla and Luca Cinquemani, are an artistic duo going by the name of Aterraterra. Their work intersects art and agricultural practices, questioning accepted narratives within agriculture and food cultures.

Gastronativism: Us & Them

1. February 2025
12 minute read

Food Studies professor Fabio Parasecoli on gastronativism, the "ideological use of food in politics to advance ideas about who belongs to a community". A conversation about "us", "them", food, politics, and systemic thinking.

Territorial Stomachs & Other Future Foodscapes

12. December 2024
4 minute read

The Future Foodscapes Research Unit rethinks the future of the planetary food system through research and speculative projects, one of which explores the viewpoint of the kitchen as an externalised stomach.

Gut Feeling

21. November 2024
9 minute read

Dr Vanessa Kimbell is a sourdough baker. educator and food activist. She talks to The Common Table about her very personal healing journey with sourdough, which led to her mission to change systems in the food industry.

Inside Story: Food Behind Bars

19. October 2024
15 minute read

Chef Natalia Middleton from the non-profit Food Behind Bars talks about about control, mental health, monopolies in the British prison system and creating change through food.

Urban Fungi Farm

24. July 2024
10 minute read

Food startup expert Eldad Arnon is the co-founder of the gourmet urban mushroom farm Tupu in Berlin. TCT talked to him about the realities of sustainable urban food production and his vision for changing how we produce food.

Redesigning Rural Relations

26. June 2024
5 minute read

Designer and artist Anastasia Eggers' rethinking of the farmers' almanac Migrating Seasons is one of 16 projects in a new book exploring narratives for existing, disappearing and emerging relationships in the countryside.

Food Thinking

28. May 2024
10 minute read

Design thinking is no longer fit for purpose. How can design be practised more relationally and inclusively, mindful of complexity and inequality? Through food thinking and asking better questions, says Sophie Lovell, co-founder of The Common Table.