Germany has long been at the forefront of the engineering and kitchen design world, at Black Rok, we take great pride in that.
Engineering tradition
German kitchen design in particular profits from an engineering tradition and with tradition comes great experience and superior knowledge. German design has always been focused on understanding the user on a deeper and holistic level, understanding the purpose of product but predominantly studying the surrounding environment and who will use the space. This leads to the thorough understanding of how can the space be ergonomically tailored to suit these needs in consideration of all known constraints. This philosophy is evident in all disciplines of German design and can be seen in everything from architecture and kitchen design to product and automotive design.
“Form follows function”, a tenet endorsed by the German arts movement ‘Bauhaus’ stands prevalent in all aspects of German functionalist design since the 1920’s. This can be seen throughout German design history from companies such as BMW and Audi to Braun and Bosch, who are continuously pushing the guidelines and exceeding expectations of demand with their sole focus on human-centered design.
Understanding the user
In the 1920’s, ergonomic efficiency in the kitchen was born with the creation of the bijou, but efficient, German Frankfurt Kitchen. Introduced in Frankfurt,Germany by the architect Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky as a solution to the housing shortage after World War I. The design was optimised for space to cost efficiency but also had a central focus on work-flow and ergonomics. Layouts were anthropometrically designed such that everything would be within an arm’s reach of the work zone. Although this sounds like standard practice for today’s kitchen, the concept of laying out the kitchen to make it more productive and efficient for the homemaker was revolutionary, and eventually gave way to the “golden triangle” theory. The design was hugely commercially successful in Germany and went ahead to replicate 10,000 units to be sold to home-owners and the principles learnt from this study are still applicable today to kitchen design.
Weinger, aber besser
“Weniger, aber besser” a statement made under the “10 principles to good design” by the iconic German product designer Dieter Rams in the 1950’s, translates as ‘less, but better’ appears ubiquitous throughout German design. This is relevant in the sense that German design is purposeful, well-thought through and sculpted down to the minimal, resulted in design that is pure, perfect and well refined. We at Black Rok pride our selves to this design philosophy and believe when applied, it creates beautiful design tailored to your needs.
Heritage
German companies take pride in their heritage and are driven by upholding quality standards set generations before. This can be seen in every aspect of care and precision from manufacture through to customer relations, there is a reputation to sustain and guidelines to achieve in German industry.
In our case, our suppliers work on a tight knit mesh of connections in Germany most of which founded decades ago who have worked together to form an efficient methodical system of supply. In particular Häcker, our cabinet and furniture supplier here at Black Rok was founded by Hermann Häcker in 1898 as a bespoke joinery and the brand name he produced has been upheld to the standard he set nearly 120 years ago. We, at Black Rok, promise to provide the professionalism and standard of German industry here in East Sussex.