Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (6/9)

The kitchen is a special place. It's not just where food is prepared, it's where friends and family get together, where people talk, laugh and celebrate. At parties, the best conversations always seem to take place in the kitchen. For the great architect and designer Ettore Sottsass, the kitchen was even a place of transformation. In his book 'Adesso Però', he poetically formulated his perception of the kitchen:

‘I always think that the kitchen is the place where the infinite encyclopaedia of substances and planetary states is gathered, unites and then assembles, organises, catalogues, proportions, takes shape, assumes a recognisable meaning, transforms itself into something usable, to then design that which is the daily ritual of eating.’

Without a doubt, the Corona pandemic has intensified our relationship with kitchens in the last two years. For many, the newly prescribed home office could equally be described as the 'kitchen office'. The trend towards merging living rooms and kitchens, – with kitchen islands often standing as a solitary element in the middle of larger open spaces – has meant that we are happy to take our laptops and work where the espresso machine and juicer are within easy reach.

Fortunately, although the pandemic is still ongoing, the wheels continue to roll for kitchen designers and manufacturers. Yes, some major trade fairs have been forced to take a break again this year, but this has certainly not stopped creative minds from developing innovative new products – as evidenced by the designs that received awards at this year's 'ICONIC AWARDS: Innovative Interior'.

The prize, which is awarded by the German Design Council, already has innovation in its name, and this year's judging process once again brought to light a large number of convincing new design solutions. The German Design Council team identified four trends on the basis of the submissions, one of which, in relation to kitchens, is particularly relevant here, namely, 'Smart together'.

Particularly when it comes to kitchens, the number of elements that are networked and digitally controllable, for example, through the use of sensors or remote control via apps, continues to increase. In addition, there are electronic services, internet-based programmes and real-time control via cloud computing, while touchless controls and active cleaning of the environment around us promote improved hygiene and wellbeing.

For example, Italian manufacturer Elica combines several hygienic functions for creating a pleasant, healthy indoor climate with its Ikona Maxxi Pure. The cooker hood, which was awarded 'Best of Best', also functions as an air purifier. The minimalist, tapered design not only eliminates odours and vapours during cooking, it also completely renews the air in the room, and silently, too.

The Aqittura M91 SodaSystem from Hansgrohe SE was awarded the 'Winner' prize. In addition to the standard functions, the digital kitchen mixer can also supply sparkling, medium or still water. The filter and mineralisation technology from MinTec® provides innovative and optimised water enjoyment. And we already know that it is better for the environment if our drinking water doesn't have to be transported at great expense.

Another 'best of best' winner from the kitchen sector ensures effective air purification with centrifugal force and without grease filters. Berbel's Downline Infinity BKA 90 DLI hob extractor quickly and effectively extracts cooking and frying fumes before they can spread throughout the living space and kitchen and is particularly well suited to cooking islands.

And speaking of cooking islands, kitchen in motion by Lambert Alexander Latzke, which received the 'Winner' award, is a free-standing unit with extendable seating that allows dynamic switching between sitting and standing. The oval contour of the kitchen island encourages social interaction and the jury also praised the design's ‘high level of formal aesthetics and functionality’.

More information about the 'ICONIC AWARDS: Innovative Interior' can be found at www.innovative-interior.de, while some additional award-winning products can be seen below:

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