A poorly designed kitchen layout is the biggest problem in a home. As a designer, to create an ergonomic kitchen, prioritize health and accessibility. In this article we will discuss about the importance of knowing kitchen design and planning.
Role of Ergonomics in Interior Design
Ergonomics in interior design means creating surroundings that support our well-being and practicality. Constantly reaching, straining, stooping, and bending can lead to chronic pain and permanent damage. It also causes frustration during tasks like cooking and cleaning. Even if a kitchen layout looks perfect, clients won’t be happy if it strains their back.
Importance of Ergonomic Kitchen Design and Planning
Architects and designers now recognize the significance of kitchen planning and the benefits of creating a smart kitchen layout. They are incorporating ergonomic design ideas into kitchens of all sizes, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and comfort during the cooking process. By strategically integrating ergonomic concepts into appliances, accessories, and layouts, the kitchen can transform into a space of comfort instead of discomfort or pain.
This article explores various aspects of kitchen layout ergonomics and their integration into intelligent design. It provides valuable practical knowledge that can be applied to enhance your client’s kitchen.
Start with introducing a Kitchen Work Triangle
For efficient kitchen workflow, a classic work triangle connects the cooktop, refrigerator, and sink. To ensure smooth movement, an optimal space between these areas is essential. In ergonomic kitchen planning, each side of the triangle typically ranges from 1200-2700 mm, while the total length of all three sides should be between 3900-7500 mm. Obstacles such as islands, tables, and cabinets should not encroach upon the triangle by more than 300 mm. Full-height obstacles like floor-to-ceiling cabinets should not disrupt the triangle, and it is important to prevent traffic flow through it.
Another Modern Approach: Kitchen Zoning
Making work zones while kitchen planning is another approach that layers nicely onto the kitchen triangle concept. The zone theory divides the kitchen layout by function instead of focusing on the distance between appliances. Each of the functional zones in zone theory has everything you need for that series of tasks. Here’s how it is commonly divided:
- Consumables: Food Storage, Pantry, Refrigerator, etc.
- Non-Consumables: Pot and Pan, Cutlery, Utensils, etc.
- Cooking Area: Oven, Microwave, Hob, Hood, etc.
- Preparation Area: Cooktop, Spices, Mixing Bowls, Cutting Boards, etc.
- Washing/Cleaning Area: Sink, Dishwasher, Cleaning Supplies, Compost Bins, and Garbage
By making the zones in the above-listed order, you can form a meal production assembly line. Food staples are taken to the preparation area for cooking. Pans and pots are very reachable. The dishwasher is alongside the plate storage and silverware.
Making a kitchen layout by dividing the kitchen into zones is an amazing approach. Zones can usually be layered onto the work triangle guidelines.
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Drawbacks With Zones
One drawback that is seen with kitchen zone theory is for larger kitchens. In this, all the zones become so big that they end up pulling the three major kitchen elements. This includes the sink, cooktop, and refrigerator. It pulls them too far apart to be convenient.
Example: If you place your large walk-in pantry and refrigerator right next to each other, they might become too distant from the sink; creating the annoying need to walk five different spaces from the fridge to the sink just to get some vegetables and wash them.
