Original scientific paper
Ergonomic Suitability of Kitchen Furniture Regarding Height Accessibility
Jasna Hrovatin
orcid.org/0000-0003-1048-5593
; Faculty of Design, an Independent Higher Education Institute, Associated Member of University of Primorska, Koper, Slovenia
Silvana Prekrat
orcid.org/0000-0003-3147-0841
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Forestry, Department of Wood Technology, Zagreb, Croati
Leon Oblak
; University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Wood Science and Technology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
David Ravnik
; University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing Care, Koper, Slovenia
Abstract
It is possible to signifi cantly ease kitchen chores with properly sized and appropriately arranged cupboards. In designing
kitchen furniture and the optimal depth and the height of storage capacities, accessibility should be taken into consideration.
It is known that the optimal storage zone is between 800 and 1100 mm and that there is reduced visibility and
accessibility at the level between 1400 and 1700 mm, which is even more prominent for the elderly. This suggests that wall
cabinets are not recommended for the elderly. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent kitchens manufactured
by Slovenian furniture manufacturers are suitable for users of different age groups with regard to the accessibility of goods
stored in the cupboards. Furthermore, based on the measurement analysis, recommendations are provided for designing
kitchen furniture that would meet the needs of the elderly. The study, carried out using a computer simulation model,
analyzed the products of three Slovenian kitchen manufacturers. The cross section of accessibility in the wall cabinets was
determined for different age groups of men and women. The results show that the effi cacy of the volume in wall cabinets
higher than 600 mm, in comparison to places where objects are easily reachable, is 30% lower for women, thus indicating
the ineffi ciency of storage space in wall cabinets. In terms of accessibility, existing kitchens are not optimal for the elderly,
and a model with a deeper worktop and wall cabinets lowered onto the worktop is proposed. Accessibility in such wall
cabinets is increased by up to 70% if the body is moved forward by 30°.
Keywords
furniture; dimensions; ergonomics; anthropometry; kitchen; elderly; design; inclusive design
Hrčak ID:
147713
URI
Publication date:
30.3.2015.
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