In recent years, kitchen has a new found importance in every home design. It has become the heart of any home. Kitchen is the hub for all great memories of a family. A modern day kitchen should be clutter free and simple, housing expensive appliances and is also the most frequently used area of a house.
What is a kitchen triangle?
It is basically a rule which was developed in the 1940's which claims better and efficient management of work flow in a kitchen.
'One arm of triangle cannot be shorter than 4 ft and cannot be longer than 9 ft. Also the total sum of all arms should be from 13 ft to 26 ft.'
Reading this would bring to our mind two questions. Isn't 80 years a long time and aren't these rules too restrictive?
Why a kitchen triangle?
It originated as a product of scientific management of motion and other analysis, whose primary focus was the industrial production sector. At that time it was an efficient and neat arrangement which could harbor the then modern appliances.
The apex of the triangle being the refrigerator, stove and the sink.
According to me the outdatedness to this theory starts here. A modern 2020's kitchen has a lot more appliances compared to the 1940's which needs attention and designing of space.
So is it still the ideal work flow in a kitchen?
I personally believe that it is a good guideline for designing a kitchen. The concept is efficient and has values which should be inculcated into a modern kitchen. But a floor plan and design should necessarily consider the needs of a modern day appliance. Any other kitchen concept or layout should not be overlooked, but a designer should try to inculcate these ideas into the layout.
Does not go well with the kitchen island concept.
Most kitchen island have a stove or a sink primarily. A stove needs an exhaust or a hood which would project down from the ceiling. A sink means you could have dirty dishes on the counter if a surprise guest turns up. Both of which are not very ideal. There are alternatives to this idea which can be explored. Like some houses have a second kitchen which can be used for doing dishes normally, thus leaving the island sink clean more often. Or the island table could be the breakfast table. But it is necessary that the island would not block the work flow of the kitchen.
Should we consider this rule outdated?
From my experience the rule is outdated. But the concept gives rise to new ideas. Every floor plan being different, different ideas needs to be explored. The concept was to make a more efficient kitchen and an undisturbed workflow. Even though the rules seems outdated, the concept will never be. As a designer you just have to strive hard to fulfill this concept.
Thinking about the following work zones while designing will help.
Food and consumables storage
Non-consumables storage (Plates, dishes..etc)
Cleaning zone
Preparation zone
Cooking zone
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