WeKitchen – inklusive Orte schaffen eine inklusive Stadtgesellschaft

WeKitchen is an inclusive, community-building kitchen concept.

The focus is on ergonomics, intuitive usability, and a design that is easy to perceive—for example, through the two-senses principle—as well as an inviting aesthetic. WeKitchen is based on the research of Akpene Therése Gbogbo. Studio Jonathan Radetz translated the design theses developed from this research into concrete designs in close collaboration with her and developed the design. The kitchen was built by Mathildenhöhe.

Initially, WeKitchen can be experienced at Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt as part of the exhibition “A Step Ahead / Einen Schritt voraus.” It will then continue to be used at the Kulturcampus Bockenheim as part of Vision 31. There, in cooperation with Über den Tellerrand Frankfurt e.V., workshops will take place where people from diverse cultural backgrounds and people with and without disabilities cook together and exchange ideas.

Cooking serves as a means of strengthening community and participation.

Both the exhibition and the workshops raise awareness of inclusive kitchen design. By taking diverse needs into account in kitchen design, a space is created that reflects the diversity of its users. The reduction of physical, sensory, cognitive, and psychological barriers in kitchen design enables shared cooking experiences that serve as a platform for connection and inclusion.

Akpene Therése Gbogbo, occupational therapist (B.Sc.) and inclusive design specialist (M.Sc.) with a focus on inclusive kitchen design, provides the scientific foundation for WeKitchen.

Jonathan Radetz, product designer, brings the WeKitchen design to life through his studio, “Studio Jonathan Radetz.”

Über den Tellerrand Frankfurt e.V. hosts cooking events that bring people together at the WeKitchen.

Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt builds and displays WeKitchen in the exhibition “A Step Ahead.”