Kitchen Layout

When designing a kitchen for use by persons with mobility impairments, especially those who use wheelchairs, careful layout of the kitchen is crucial to maintaining accessibility. People who are mobility impaired may:

• have walking and standing limitations which require them to sit while working
• use a mobility aid such as crutches, canes, or walkers
• use a wheelchair.

One of the key issues to consider when designing for persons with mobility impairments is adequate space to maneuver a mobility aid such as a wheelchair or walker.

• Room to Maneuver
• Laying it all out
  • Floor plan of a U-shaped work center
  • Floor plan of an L-shaped work center
• Recommended Work Triangle Dimensions
• Comfort Zones
• Design Notes

Room to Maneuver

Maneuvering Space

Space to maneuver close to cabinets, appliances and work areas must be provided. Each feature must have at least 2'-6" by 4' of clear floor space, arranged for either parallel or perpendicular approach by wheelchair.

Clear floor space may extend under the counters and into knee space areas up to 19".

Knee Space

Adequate knee space under counter surfaces is important for people who need to sit while performing kitchen tasks. The space should allow them to pull up under counter for work areas, sinks, and cook tops. Knee room should be provided beside appliances such as complete ranges, ovens, and dishwashers.

Knee spaces should be at least 30" wide, 27" high, and 19" deep. A width of at least 36" is preferred, as this provides additional turning space, especially important in small kitchens.

Turnaround Space

A space large enough for a person to turn around 180 degrees should be provided in the kitchen. If the kitchen is very small, the space can be provided immediately adjacent to the kitchen.

Pivoting turn

Sufficient space for a complete, pivoting turn can be provided with a 5' clear diameter floor area. This allows a full turning radius of 360 degrees. The best location for the turning space is away from appliance areas, and between walls or cabinets only.

T-Turn.

A T-shaped turning space allows a three point turn to be accomplished. By making one of the necessary kitchen knee spaces 3' wide, or wider, one leg of the T can be accomplished within the knee space. This arrangement can solve maneuvering problems in very small kitchens.

Laying it all out

Efficient kitchens are usually designed around a work triangle. This triangle is formed by the location of the refrigerator, sink, and range. The arangement of the surrounding work center depends on the available space. In general, an L-shaped kitchen provides the best access.

U-shaped work center

Advantages to using a U-shape include:

• Provides plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair.
• Provides room for two cooks.
• Reduces traffic flow problems.
• Reduces risk of bumping into appliances.

Floor plan of a U-shaped work center

L-shaped work center

Advantages to an L-shape are:

• Traffic flow does not interfere with work triangle.
• Plenty of room for storage next to each work station.
• Room for two, or a wheelchair.

Floor plan of an L-shaped work center

Island and penninsula 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.

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 shorted the work triangle. The distances between appliances can make working in a kitchen with this type of design tiring for people with mobility impairments.

The following table provides some 'comfort zones' for kitchen dimensions. These are ranges for some kitchen dimensions to maintain usability.

Design Notes

• The space recommended above is generally adequate for most people who use standard sized manual, or electric wheelchairs.
• More space than the minimum is recommended when designing the kitchen for use by more than one person.
• People who use electric scooters for mobility will require more space to maneuver, as 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 non-skid floors, and floor coverings.
• Design eating areas with room for round tables for families with deaf members. This provides individuals a clear view of each other to facilitate communication.
• Keep the pathway for bringing groceries into the house as short and straight as possible.
• Keep the work triangle small for persons with visual impairments.

[Introduction] [Layout] [Electrical] [Refrigerator] [Dishwasher]
[Microwave] [Oven] [Range] [Sink]
[Countertops] [Storage]
[References]