What a kitchen can be: a food-centric approach

Abstract

Alternative approaches for studying and designing the domestic kitchen need to be considered so that the space can reach its further potential. ‘Food-centric approach’ is one of the alternative ways that could be adopted which disrupts the centrality of the consumer. Food-centric approach aims to build a healthier relationship between human, food, cooking, culture, nature, resources, and the kitchen space. With the pursuit of a food-centric discourse, kitchen’s history, an analysis of the kitchen space, and an investigation of its placeness are presented. Existing problematics of a globalized and standardized domestic kitchen such as the functionalist approach, the consumerist behavior that is often promoted, and the visuality oriented mindset adopted in kitchen design are put forward. Furthermore, how these relate to greater societal matters such as society’s alienation from food and self are discussed. The domestic kitchen is where the individual’s relationship with food is built; therefore, kitchen design has the capacity to address such problems. The existing architectural literature remains insufficient in delivering an extensive understanding of the kitchen that considers all its elements, specifically food, which is the very subject of the kitchen. A food-centric analysis of the domestic kitchen has the capacity to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the kitchen, including its relation to space and place. Considering alternative approaches would inspire theory, design, and the improvement of overall perceptions and conceptions that are in touch with food, cooking, and the kitchen.