our built environment is rapidly changing, however, the way our houses are designed has not changed much in the past decades. it still consists of specific rooms with each containing a strong functional identity. the kitchen has not changed much of its spatial premises since the 1950’s. with the triumph of the built-in cabinets and the predominant infrastructure that defines it, the kitchen of today offers very little possibilities to become a flexible space in the house. why do we limit the cooking experience to one area when it could merge with other spaces of the house?

alejandra calderon liberates the kitchen from its domestic space creating new layouts
the project consists of 3 modules that can be arranged in different configurations according to the needs of the user
all images © agnese pellino

 

 

it has been the norm for long that the preparation of meals has to be concentrated in the space the kitchen occupies. guatemalan architect alejandra calderon‘s ‘the liberation of the kitchen’ offers the opportunity to develop different scenarios that adapt to the lifestyle of its users and opens new possibilities for the domestic layout of the future. if so many efforts and studies were made to liberate the woman from the kitchen, could the kitchen be liberated from the domestic space itself?

alejandra calderon liberates the kitchen from its domestic space creating new layouts
the modules contain all necessary elements for the preparation of meals

 

 

the design originates from a case study, where time and activities done in a kitchen in rotterdam were measured to evidence the lifestyle some students and young professionals are currently facing. the data obtained not only created new parameters for a more accurate design, but also generated awareness on how many unused square meters the kitchen was enclosing. with the obtained data, three mobile modules were designed that contain all the necessary elements for the preparation of meals: two induction cooktops, storage space, preparation space, a fridge and a sink that includes three containers to recycle waste.

alejandra calderon liberates the kitchen from its domestic space creating new layouts
the middle module includes storage space and a mini fridge

 

 

each module works with a stackable system of different elements. each of the elements has the ability to be used individually as a stand-alone piece with a folding legs mechanism. the different elements can also be stacked and combined in different configurations that suit the needs of its owner.

alejandra calderon liberates the kitchen from its domestic space creating new layouts
the sink can be connected with a hose to any water source available

 

 

‘the liberation of the kitchen’ presents an online platform where the blueprints and a blog with instructions are available to everybody to download and build the project themselves. being an open source project allows not only an easy implementation of the design, but also the creation of a community. if the kitchen is liberated, what would happen to the empty space? the platform presents the new empty spaces as an opportunity for profit. this project offers the possibility to make a transition to a more flexible and movable way of experiencing our homes. one that allows the liberation of the kitchen from the ground and walls.

 

 

Why does this activity have to be restricted to one specific space, when the sqm of the house offer other possibilities? 
Ale Calderon

alejandra calderon liberates the kitchen from its domestic space creating new layouts
two induction cooktops are available in drawers that include preparation space

alejandra calderon liberates the kitchen from its domestic space creating new layouts
the drawers can be stacked together or become independent elements with a foldable legs mechanism

alejandra calderon liberates the kitchen from its domestic space creating new layouts
the elements can be combined in different configurations that allows a more flexible and fluid cooking experience

 

 

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.

 

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom

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