The Work Triangle
Our kitchen expert Charlie from Roundhouse Design answers our kitchen questions...
What is the kitchen "work triangle" and why is it important?
The University of Illinois developed the concept of the work triangle in the 1950s after they conducted a study to find the most sensible kitchen design for a four-person home. Researchers developed the kitchen triangle, connecting the critical three work areas in your kitchen - the sink, cooker and refrigerator.
Gallery Shape Kitchen Triangle (click for bigger image)
According to this theory the distance between the areas should be no less than 4' (1.2m) and no larger than 9'(2.7m). The three sides of the triangle should total no more than 26'(7.9m).
L Shape Kitchen Triangle
However, in today's homes full of conversions, extensions and open plan living, this rule is just too limiting. One set rule cannot compress or expand to suit the kitchens function for example, and doesn't take into account clients needs or the individual space.
Peninusla / Island Kitchen Triangle
When I begin to design a kitchen space, I have the "work triangle" in mind to keep traffic in the workspace to a minimum. By choosing a focal or centre point such as the cooker or cooking area and arranging the other main work areas within an easy distance (one turn, or just a step or two away without any obstructions between them) you can design an adaptable space.
U Shape Kitchen Triangle
This creates an easy flow in the kitchen, for differing daily needs, working as efficiently when cooking for one as it is for an entire family.
Kitchen One Wall Alternative
If it seems impossible to create this triangle in your kitchen, due to layout or restrictions with your services etc, it is still possible to create an efficient design. Consider how you will use the kitchen, spacing the work areas out accordingly. Try not to let any traffic violate the flow of the kitchen, and consider a centre point to anchor the other work areas – such as an island (see diagram) which would still allow two people to work in the space without invading each others space.
Charlie Esson is a Design Consultant based in London.
Technorati tags: kitchen, kitchens, design
What is the kitchen "work triangle" and why is it important?
The University of Illinois developed the concept of the work triangle in the 1950s after they conducted a study to find the most sensible kitchen design for a four-person home. Researchers developed the kitchen triangle, connecting the critical three work areas in your kitchen - the sink, cooker and refrigerator.
Gallery Shape Kitchen Triangle (click for bigger image) According to this theory the distance between the areas should be no less than 4' (1.2m) and no larger than 9'(2.7m). The three sides of the triangle should total no more than 26'(7.9m).
L Shape Kitchen Triangle However, in today's homes full of conversions, extensions and open plan living, this rule is just too limiting. One set rule cannot compress or expand to suit the kitchens function for example, and doesn't take into account clients needs or the individual space.
Peninusla / Island Kitchen Triangle When I begin to design a kitchen space, I have the "work triangle" in mind to keep traffic in the workspace to a minimum. By choosing a focal or centre point such as the cooker or cooking area and arranging the other main work areas within an easy distance (one turn, or just a step or two away without any obstructions between them) you can design an adaptable space.
U Shape Kitchen Triangle
Kitchen One Wall AlternativeIf it seems impossible to create this triangle in your kitchen, due to layout or restrictions with your services etc, it is still possible to create an efficient design. Consider how you will use the kitchen, spacing the work areas out accordingly. Try not to let any traffic violate the flow of the kitchen, and consider a centre point to anchor the other work areas – such as an island (see diagram) which would still allow two people to work in the space without invading each others space.
Charlie Esson is a Design Consultant based in London.
Technorati tags: kitchen, kitchens, design
posted by A Life Fantastic at 4:51 PM
2 Comments:
To many 'designed' kitchens omit a critical spot. The garbage can.
Everything that comes out of the fridge or pantry, but doesn't go on a plate (or in the sink or back in the fridge after dinner) goes in the garbage can. Designers should learn from restaurants and stop hiding them behind cabinetry.
Restaurant kitchens work for restaurants. A garbage can is better off hidden in a domestic kitchen.
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