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Studies have showed that people with physical disabilities are unable to integrate in their neighborhoods, because visit-ability is precluded in many housing environments not living up to present standards.

The Kurumono Kitchen is a completely modular cylindrical unit divided into four sections vertically; the upper and middle sections, worktop and lower section. All the sections are supported by a centrally located pole which forms the vertical axis about which they rotate. In addition to supporting these units, the central utility pole also houses all plumbing, electrical supply and ventilation facilities. All four sections can rotate independently. The individual units within these sections can rotate and slide.

The kitchen allows the user, able or disabled, to benefit from universal design and mass customization. It is a completely modular cylindrical unit divided into four sections vertically; storage in the upper, middle, and lower sections, with a work top above the lower. Because the individual units within those sections can rotate and slide they can be positioned at a comfortable and accessible distance from the user. The upper cabinets can be lowered to the comfort zone, and additional flip-out work-tops ensure that all storage is accessible and counter space is maximized. The unit works with a hydraulic mechanism, making the motion gentle and requiring minimal physical effort to operate, with an option of manual override.

The Kurumono Kitchen design can have a far more profound impact on consumers with disabilities than on their able-bodied counterparts. Providing effective and appealing design solutions can lead to tremendous leaps in quality of life by helping consumers with disabilities become increasingly self-sufficient and independent.

Details

  • Title: Kurumono Kitchen
  • External Link: Kurumono Kitchen - INDEX: Design to Improve Life® website
  • Sustainable Development Goals targeted: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities
  • INDEX: Award Cycle: 2005
  • INDEX: Award Category: Home
  • Driver(s) of Change: Entrepeneurship
  • Designed By: Jitendra Barlinge, Laura Fallace, Judy Jacobson, Ann Melichar, Nelson White
  • Country of Design : USA

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