Earlier this week, we held a workshop about ergonomics in eba’s Parisian Boulevard Haussmann showroom. The event was designed to educate interior design professionals on the fundamentals of ergonomics and the specifics of what to think about when designing contemporary kitchens.
Understanding the concept of ergonomics in kitchen design
The evening started with an introduction to the concept of ergonomics in the kitchen. Designers need to consider every element of the kitchen space to try and reduce the amount of movement or effort a user has to make when cooking.
Worktop heights, for example, should be tailored to the individual user in order to minimise the likelihood of back pain. Utensil holders and storage solutions need to be designed in a way that keeps the most used items in easy reach for the user.
Our guests learnt how to assess the ergonomics of a kitchen through different criteria such as unit layouts, the heights of different kitchen elements and general organisation of the space.
Creating unique, tailor-made spaces03-workshop-how-to-design-ergonomic-kitchens-eba
The workshop focused on how to design an ergonomic kitchen in particular. Every kitchen is unique and should be conceived with the specific needs of its users in mind. The professionals present were invited to think about the different zones within a kitchen (food prep, cooking, washing-up), and about how to optimally arrange the space to ensure fluidity of movement and an efficient use of the space.
The workshop also underlined the importance of adaptability, which we pride ourselves on at eba. We offer our clients modular, flexible solutions, with a choice of 4 heights and 5 depths for our base units.
Adapting unit dimensions
Another element of functional, ergonomic kitchen design is the adaptation of unit dimensions. Our guests learnt how different heights and depths of units can affect the use of the kitchen. Cupboards that are too high or too deep, for example, could make accessing utensils or food items difficult, whilst badly positioned drawers can make storage complicated. The goal is to create units that can be modified to meet the needs of users as well as the constraints of the space.
Optimising the space
It's no secret that optimising space will be a priority when designing an ergonomic kitchen. We shared our tips on how to get the most out of every inch of space in the kitchen.
Innovative storage solutions, like our plinth drawer units, drawer accessories and retractable units maximise use of the space whilst ensuring that organisation is easy and functional. These solutions allow us to create kitchens that are both spacious and practical, even in smaller spaces.
Choosing lighting and opening systems
Lighting and cabinet opening systems play a crucial role in the ergonomics of a kitchen, although they are often overlooked. Our workshop leaders stressed the important of well-considered lighting, which should be functional as well as aesthetically-pleasing.
Lighting the worktop with our LED lighting systems - installed under wall units - enables our clients to cook safely and efficiently, as they are able to see what they're doing. Elsewhere, ambient lighting can be used to create a warm, welcoming feel. Opening systems for drawers and cabinets should be ergonomic, effortlessly facilitating access.
A social end to the evening
After the workshop, participants had the chance to relax and network over drinks and hors d’oeuvres. The casual setting meant that professionals could chat and exchange ideas whilst exploring the eba systems on display in our showroom on Boulevard Haussmann, Paris.
The workshop on ergonomics was a great success, and our invitees left with a deeper understanding of the topic. Each invitee left with innovative ideas about how to improve the functionality and comfort of kitchens by designing user-centric, ergonomic spaces.
Are you an office or agency interested in a workshop with us? We’d love to hear from you.
