I have heard much talk about kitchens and stores for the future, but as you will see, it is nice to see some prototypes. They actually give us something tangible to think about so we can begin to advance them, challenge them and seize upon great opportunity.

The two following videos explain how a future store and kitchen of the future can work together — integrating them toward a more seamless experience. If you watch both, you will get an idea as to what your own experience might be like if you were to live and use such environments.

Does Life Get Any Easier?

Although they are not exactly interactive, there is much that a user can control and specify. Additionally, due to RFID tags, many of the procedural steps that are necessary today may not be necessary in the future.

However, does life get any easier? I would say that it should. Such future designs should strive to make life easier, more pleasant, healthier and safe.

I understand that the automation is all in an effort to design for better experience, to free user’s time and to help them make better choices. However, I do question whether there might be a lack of mobility within some automated designs.

To push the boundaries a bit, I am curious to see what it would be like if the “TV monitor” within the kitchen prototype (see video 1 below) could be repositioned according to the personal preference and need of the user.

I suppose that with most designs there are questions and curiosities that could lead them further along. Good designs often spark us to think of new ideas. But for now, these are two design prototypes that you should definitely see.

The kitchen console was designed by Zaha Hadid, by the way.

Video 1: The Kitchen of the Future

Video 2: The Grocery Store of the Future

Please Tell Me What You Think

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© 2008-2010 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

FINDING THE CORE

Most all outstanding architecture projects have a “heart”. At their core they tackle problems and pose renewed solutions. They help cultures “see” in new ways. They are both timely and timeless.

So, how can you get to the heart of your architectural design?

Here are 7 fundamental questions you should ask yourself…

1. What “event” or “memorable experience” do you want to create?

2. Where are your boundaries? What rules do you follow, bend or break?

3. What is your definition of “enclosure” and “openness”?

4. Does your design contribute to a culture and society? How?

5. How do you interpret form and function? What is their relationship?

6. Is your design beautiful? What is your standard?

7. What difference does your architecture make? Who does it help and how?

DOES YOUR DESIGN HAVE “SPIRIT”?

Here’s a video where leading architects like Zaha Hadid and Stephen Kieran show you what is at the heart of their projects. Collectively, they all contribute to what they think is the “spirit of architecture”. There are some good nuggets of wisdom here:

© 2008-2010 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman