Changing designs
Audio for slide 1 (mp3 |6|KB)
Before World War I (1914-1918), kitchens typically contained a large table in the middle of the room and free standing cupboards or shelves against the walls.
In fancier homes the dishes were often stored in the dining room.
Audio for slide 2 (mp3 |6|KB)
Designers looked for more efficient layouts that saved time and effort.
Built-in cabinets became more popular, and manufacturers improved their processes in making prefabricated units.
Audio for slide 3 (mp3 |6|KB)
This brought in the flush surface look of modern kitchens, and cabinets became more 'minimalist' in design.
Audio for slide 4 (mp3 |6|KB)
Modern kitchens
In recent years, kitchens have become much more varied in both size and design. Their size has often expanded in larger houses, particularly those built by project home companies. But in apartments and flats they have become more economical and compact.
Audio for slide 5 (mp3 |6|KB)
This approach has been very influenced by studies into ergonomics, which has examined the way people move around the kitchen and carry out various functions.
An understanding of ergonomics has helped designers to put surfaces, drawers, shelves and controls at the best heights and positions to reduce bending, stretching and other unnecessary movements.
Audio for slide 6 (mp3 |6|KB)
Health and environmental concerns
Over the last couple of years there has been an increasing interest in health and air quality in buildings. With the widespread use of melamine-faced particleboard and medium density fibreboard (MDF), the chemicals released by formaldehyde glues has become more of an issue. This especially applies in kitchens that have controlled air flow through central heating and air conditioning.
Audio for slide 7 (mp3 |6|KB)
Some materials are now known to use damaging production processes during their manufacture.
Others products use certain species of timber that are no longer plentiful in supply.
As a result, many clients now ask whether a product is eco-friendly, or 'green', before they make a decision on whether to use it.
Learning activity
Audio 8 (mp3 |6|KB)See if you can list 5 different features of modern kitchens that have been designed with ergonomics in mind. You may want to look at your own kitchen for ideas, or check out a company showroom, or even examine the features in a kitchen you're installing.
Once you've named each feature, state what its ergonomic benefits are. Here's some examples of features to help get you started:
- Pull-out shelves
- Pull-out garbage container
- Lazy susan in a corner cabinet
Share your answers with your trainer and other learners in the group.
Go to Cabinet construction