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March 16, 2018
Where People Gather, Richness Blooms in the Home: The Cutting-Edge 'Irori Dining' | Panasonic
Panasonic
Connections with family and friends bring richness to the home
The cutting-edge 'Irori Dining'
'Irori Dining' aims to expand the use of the kitchen from a place for cooking to a place where people gather. What is required of living spaces that align with modern lifestyles? This article delves into the essence of 'Irori Dining' through a conversation with space and product designer Koichi Futatsumata and development project representative Masazumi Watanabe, considering this perspective.
Text by NAGASAKI yoshitsugu(PARAGRAPH)
Various products, backed by technological prowess,
are consolidated into one complete kitchen.
Koichi Futatsumata, a space and product designer, approaches the conversation with the stance of drawing out the true meaning and benefits from the developers, while imagining the actual implementation of 'Irori Dining' in a home. What were his initial impressions?
FutatsumataVarious products, backed by technological prowess, are consolidated into one complete kitchen.
From a spatial design perspective, 'Irori Dining' seems to pose the question of how to utilize the space created by merging two areas (kitchen and dining).
Therefore, I believe its introduction needs to be considered at the initial stage of planning a living space.
From a product perspective, 'Irori Dining' is a product where the developers' passion is strongly felt in every detail.
I thought that for those who fall in love with it, considering their way of life centered around 'Irori Dining' might be one option.
Koichi Futatsumata
Space and Product Designer
He presides over both "Case-Real," which focuses on space design based in Fukuoka and Tokyo, and "Futatsumata Studio," which specializes in product design. He handles a wide range of designs, from interiors and architecture to furniture and products, both domestically and internationally. Recent works include "Aesop Sapporo Stellar Place," "Yoron's Villa," "CIBONE CASE," and "Cutlery for valerie_objects."
http://www.casereal.comhttp://www.futatsumata.com
Transforming the UX of Living Spaces
WatanabeIrori Dining is a kitchen that proposes a new living space with the concept of 'communication.' It was designed and developed with the aim of allowing people to feel a fulfilling life through communication with loved ones. While consolidating Panasonic's advanced products, some parts are made almost by hand, resulting in a product that mixes cutting-edge technology with a custom feel.
FutatsumataThe island kitchen format aims to bring the cook to the forefront and shorten the distance to those eating by blurring the boundaries of the space. However, in actual daily life, it often ends up being that only the person cooking uses the kitchen, and the space is underutilized. 'Irori Dining' intentionally creates a space for communication by incorporating some dining functions into the kitchen area.
WatanabeThat's right. We've created a large, flat IH cooking surface that can also be used as a dining table. We envision this large space as a place for spending time beyond just cooking, a place where communication can flourish.
FutatsumataAnother point that caught my attention was the issue of kitchen height. Homeowners who enjoy cooking often want to connect the kitchen to the dining area. In such cases, it's difficult to align the height of the cooking workspace with the dining table. I imagine it varies depending on the user's height, but how did you decide on the kitchen height?
Masazumi Watanabe
Panasonic Corporation
Housing Systems Business Division
General Manager, Living Space Business Promotion Department
After working in product design and product planning and development departments, he assumed his current role. In his current position, he is responsible for planning and proposing new living values through cross-value group activities within the company.
WatanabeThe countertop height is selectable. You can choose from 800mm, 850mm, and 900mm, with 850mm as the standard. Irori Dining is not only a new space for communication but also a place for daily cooking and cleanup, so the height is set to be suitable for a standing posture. For meals, we recommend using high stools, and for relaxed dining, we suggest a larger table in the living area.
Attention to Detail
WatanabeIrori Dining is a product with 'communication' as its concept, and there are several features designed to facilitate this. First, there are touch panels on both sides of the kitchen for adjusting temperature and other settings. With touch panels on both sides, people can cook the same dish from opposite sides, or work on different dishes simultaneously. After the food is ready, if the kitchen is a table type, you can serve the freshly prepared hot dishes directly. We've designed it so that conversations naturally arise through individual tasks within the same space.
Furthermore, the range hood is designed to not obstruct conversation. For example, in this space, the range hood is installed at a higher position than usual to avoid blocking the line of sight between people facing each other. Additionally, by moving the fan inside the range hood to the ceiling, we've improved quietness. These features minimize anything that might hinder communication, creating a space where natural conversations can occur.
FutatsumataI understand that in the development of system kitchens during the Showa era, there was a trend to integrate all related equipment. Back then, it was likely an ambitious system, using abundant cutting-edge equipment, for better or worse. During this development, were there discussions about incorporating even more advanced equipment?
WatanabeThere were continuous trials and errors to determine what should be integrated into the kitchen to realize the concept of 'communication.' We actually had general users try out several prototypes and developed the product while verifying what was unnecessary.
FutatsumataDeciding how much equipment to integrate and what to keep separate is an eternal challenge.
Kitchens are also subject to updates, so I think the longevity of the product is a key point when introducing a new kitchen.
WatanabeAlthough 'Irori Dining' is a single kitchen, products like the IH cooktop, range hood, and dishwasher are typically developed and designed by different business divisions. However, this time, we transcended divisional boundaries to create a living space with the common goal of 'creating new living values.' I believe this product successfully integrates the strengths of a comprehensive electronics manufacturer.
FutatsumataListening to your explanation, I feel that the high level of completion as a single kitchen is due to the fact that the IH cooktop, range hood, and dishwasher are each backed by cutting-edge technology.
More importantly, however, it is a product that offers profound suggestions: instead of thinking of living environments in terms of distinct areas like dining, kitchen, and living room, a new way of living can emerge by consolidating living flows. For example, by integrating the kitchen and dining area with 'Irori Dining,' the living space can be considered larger, and consequently, people's movements will change significantly.
Panasonic's new initiatives in living environments, imbued with the desire to provide a better life for many people, are certainly worth watching.
Panasonic Irori Dining
A system kitchen that proposes a new living space, eliminating the separation between those who cook and those who eat. With its sophisticated design, it incorporates many advanced functions. Although the kitchen itself is compact, its generously sized cooking space and IH cooktop can accommodate parties. It can be experienced at eight Panasonic Living Showrooms nationwide, including in Tokyo and Osaka.
Inquiries
Panasonic Lighting and Home Equipment/Building Materials Customer Consultation Center
0120-878-709 (Reception 9:00-18:00)
https://sumai.panasonic.jp/1712jukukan/irori-dining/