Page 506 - Biomedical Engineering and Design Handbook Volume 2, Applications

484 REHABILITATION ENGINEERING AND PROSTHETICS DESIGN

17.2.8 Island and Peninsula Work Centers
A work center with this layout shortens the work triangle, an advantage for people with low vision
or those who use walkers or crutches. Open appliance doors may, however, block aisle space needed
for a wheelchair.

17.2.9 Corridor and Pullman Work Centers

A corridor work center places appliances across an aisle. A Pullman design has all appliances on one
wall. Like island work center designs, these designs shorten the work triangle. The distances between
appliances can make working in a kitchen with this type of design tiring for people with mobility
impairments. Table 17.1 summarizes the preceding information.

TABLE 17.1 Recommended Work Triangle Dimensions

Appliance/fixture Standard, ft Wheelchair, ft Walker/crutches, ft
Total distance connecting refrigerator, range, and sink 12–22 14–24 10–20
Refrigerator to sink 4–7 6–9 2–5
Sink to range 4–6 6–8 2–4
Range to refrigerator 4–9 6–11 2–7
Source: Whirlpool Home Appliances.

Table 17.2 provides some comfort zones for kitchen dimensions. These are ranges for some
kitchen dimensions to maintain usability.

TABLE 17.2 Comfort Zones
Standing/walking Walking with
Comfort zones unassisted, ft assistance,* ft Sitting, ft
Minimum aisle space 3 4 4.5
Maximum aisle space between counters 6 6 6.5
Minimum space between workstations
One cook 4 5 5.5
Two or more cooks 4.5 5.5 6
*Leaning on another person or using a cane, crutches, or walker.
Source: Whirlpool Home Appliances.

17.2.10 Design Notes

• The spaces recommended in Tables 17.1 and 17.2 generally are adequate for most people who
use standard-sized manual or electric wheelchairs.
• More space than the minimum is recommended when designing a kitchen for use by more than
one person.
• People who use electric scooters for mobility will require more space to maneuver because most
scooters are much less maneuverable than a power wheelchair.
• Always consider the specific needs of the person for whom the kitchen is being designed before
implementing a standard design.
• Be sure to use nonskid floor coverings.