Johnny, Peter Gore and his team at the National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) and Newcastle University have been working for the last five years on developing kitchens for a very wide range of ages and abilities. This means up to four generations will be able to cook, work and relax in the same domestic space. As the benefits of multigenerational living become increasingly recognized it is a timely intervention.
The Northern Accelerator Fund and Legal & General are funding the building of a prototype of the results of our work so far, the first 4G kitchen. It will be launched in the new Catalyst building at NICA in April - watch this space! The plan is to subject it to all sorts of trials by testers from a local focus group, the design and care sectors, government staff and students. Anyone interested will be able to come and have a look (by appointment).
Maximum flexibility is a guiding principle. This is being built into surface heights through the use of ‘social ironmongery’, along with a system of integrated freestanding and fitted furniture. We are developing new technology to protect the safety of more vulnerable users. Wherever possible the cabinetry will be made of recycled materials. Eventual costs are being rigorously watched to make these kitchens as accessible as possible for the marketplace.
This is a far-reaching, visionary collaboration between British and European companies including Symphony Kitchens, Corian CD UK, Varm, and engineers, technologists and artisans who work with JGS.
Prototype design for working table in a Multigenerational kitchen
L – r: Johnny, Peter Gore and Patrick Bonnet at the Smart Kitchen Summit introducing the tech community to the 4G multigeneration kitchen concept