Frankfurt kitchen

Frankfurterkueche

Frankfurter-kueche-vienna

FK3

The Frankfurt Kitchen

Frankfurt-Kitchen, kitchen cabinet (1)

Frankfurt Kitchen

The Frankfurt Kitchen was a milestone in domestic architecture, designed by Austrian architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky for the New Frankfurt project in 1926. It is considered the forerunner of modern fitted kitchens, as it introduced the concept of ergonomic design and efficient use of space in domestic settings. The design was heavily influenced by the contemporary Taylorism, also known as the scientific management of labor, and aimed to provide a functional and affordable kitchen for the working-class families of the Weimar Republic.

Design and Features

The Frankfurt Kitchen was compact, measuring about 6.5 square meters on average. It was designed to maximize efficiency and minimize the steps required to complete tasks. The kitchen featured an aluminum sink, a gas stove, and a workspace, all within easy reach. The use of built-in storage, with labeled bins for staples such as flour and sugar, was innovative. This organization reduced the time spent on meal preparation and cleanup. The color scheme was also carefully considered, with blue and white tiles to reflect light and create a sense of cleanliness.

Impact and Legacy

The Frankfurt Kitchen revolutionized kitchen design and had a profound impact on domestic architecture. It was the first example of a fitted kitchen, where the components were designed to form a cohesive whole. This concept laid the groundwork for the modern kitchen designs that are standard today. Over 10,000 units were manufactured and installed in Frankfurt's social housing projects in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

The kitchen's design principles, emphasizing functionality and efficiency, influenced subsequent developments in kitchen design worldwide. It also highlighted the role of women in the domestic sphere, aiming to simplify household tasks that were traditionally assigned to them. The Frankfurt Kitchen is a significant example of how design and architecture can transform everyday life.

Preservation and Exhibition

Several original Frankfurt Kitchens have been preserved and are on display in museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the German Architecture Museum in Frankfurt. These exhibitions offer insights into early 20th-century domestic life and the evolution of kitchen design.

See Also

• Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky
• New Frankfurt
• Taylorism
• Weimar Republic
• Domestic architecture