fireplace concept by whirlpool global consumer design
SHARE AND PROMOTE YOUR WORK
since 1999, home of design culture, designboom has been the world'sfirst online magazine. we welcome readers to submit projects. START UPLOADING
'fireplace concept' by whirlpool global consumer design
the fireplace, one of whirlpool’s latest explorations, combines the ancient tradition of gathering around the
fire with modern technology. it brings an answer to the cross-cultural necessity to share experiences with
real interaction. the new proposal consists of two main elements: a multi-functional cooking table and an
air treatment / mood lighting hood - conceived as a new type of space where the kitchen and living room
merge into one. the components are fully adaptable to accommodate a variety of situations from family
gatherings to social events and relaxed lounging moments.
the interactions with the accessories are based on gestures. to determine whether the contents of the accessory
should be kept cold or warm, the user needs to rotate them clockwise or counter-clockwise, and the intelligent
surface will send a signal to the accessory to keep the liquid content warm or cold. a light indication will appear
on the bottom rim of the accessory (red for warm, blue for cold). the light intensity will change accordingly
as the temperature changes.
'fireplace concept', intelligent surface and accessories
in the centre of the table there is a cooking basin that emits different frequencies of light to either create a
warm atmosphere or cook food at the perfect temperature without burning it. the pins inside the basin move
up and down to accommodate the different accessories that can be placed inside. the interaction between
the cooking surface and the hood results in precise heating and perfect control of any type of food.
'fireplace concept prototype' in paris, celebrating whirlpool's 100th anniversary in 2011
'fireplace concept prototype' in paris, celebrating whirlpool's 100th anniversary in 2011
cooking surface
the air treatment / mood-light hood works as the brain for the cooking system. its integrated camera detects
the accessories and food placed on the cooking area beneath and the ideal cooking temperature is automatically
determined by the system. the hood accommodates two types of lighting: softly changing colored lights for
creating different moods and functional lighting for cooking - with the central part working as an air treatment
system sanitizing, recycling and adding perfume to the air while controlling the temperature and humidity of the room.
accessories are charged when they are placed on the surface
the 'intelligent surface' works together with the smart accessories. when the accessory is in contact
with the surface, the user can determine whether the contents of the smart accessory should be kept
cold or warm. the accessories are charged when they are placed on the surface, so that later on,
they can even be used remotely for a short period of time.
cooking basin with sukiyaki. the pins inside the basin move up and down to accommodate the different accessories
concept sketch, gathering around the fire with modern technology
designboom has received this project from our 'DIY submissions' feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.
see more project submissions from our readers here.
POPULAR TODAY DESIGN
now we have virtual fire?
At the very least it’s not pretending to be real fire. (like so many heating elements) Fun idea, I guess.