A Step Saving Kitchen, 1949 - Summary

Summary

Here is a concise summary of the provided text:

**Title:** Design of an Efficient Kitchen for Farm Homemakers

**Purpose:** To showcase a newly designed kitchen that simplifies food preparation, eating, clearing, and preservation, tailored to the needs of farm homemakers.

**Key Design Features:**

1. **Work Simplification:** Based on established principles to minimize effort and time.
2. **Ergonomic Layout:** Comfortable working heights, good lighting, and reduced stooping/reaching.
3. **Specialized Centers:**
* Mixing Center with ample counter space and storage.
* Vegetable Preparation & Dishwashing Center with step-saving setup.
* Cooking & Serving Center with convenient storage and access.
4. **Innovative Storage Solutions:** Revolving corner shelves, built-in bins, and optimized cupboard usage.
5. **Multifunctional Elements:** A planning center with a drop-leaf table for flexibility.
6. **Natural Lighting:** Large picture window for illumination over work surfaces.

**Goals:**

* Reduce the physical demands of kitchen work
* Enhance efficiency in food preparation and related tasks
* Allow the homemaker to comfortably participate in family mealtime.

Facts

Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences:

1. **Design Purpose**: The kitchen plans were developed for people seeking the latest ideas to reduce kitchen work time and effort.
2. **Target Audience**: The plans were designed for farm homemakers who requested help to simplify kitchen work.
3. **Design Basis**: The planning was based on established principles of work simplification.
4. **Key Design Elements**:
* Maximum convenience
* Good working heights
* Adequate lighting
5. **Applicability**: The design principles can be applied to various kitchen arrangements (e.g., L-shaped, corridor type).
6. **Research Basis**: Laboratory research in the bureau and state agricultural experiment stations informed the design.
7. **Specific Design Decisions**:
* **Counter Space**: At least 36 inches (ideally 42 inches) of counter space is required for mixing operations like cookie and bread making.
* **Working Heights**: Different kitchen jobs were studied to determine most comfortable working heights.
8. **Features for Efficiency**:
* Pullout boards for adjustable working heights
* Revolving corner cupboards for maximizing space
* A planning center with a drop-leaf table on casters
9. **Lighting**:
* Importance of good lighting in the kitchen
* Design for a homemade lighting fixture using 40-watt fluorescent tubes
10. **Specific Station Designs**:
* **Mixing Center**: Located in the right leg of the U, between the refrigerator and sink, with plenty of work surface and storage.
* **Vegetable Preparation & Dishwashing Center**: Step-saving setup with a knife rack, utensil cupboard, and garbage hatch.
* **Cooking & Serving Center**: Supplies and equipment stored above the range, with bins for food and seasonings.
* **Dishwashing Center**: Double bowl sink with one shallow bowl for comfortable dishwashing height.
11. **Storage Solutions**:
* Built-in bins for flour and sugar
* Vertical files for baking pans
* Storage for cleaning equipment and first aid supplies
12. **Dining Area**:
* Compact but not cramped, with room for a table that can seat six comfortably
* Ledge under the picture window for electrical equipment storage