Agents of Change – Fisher & Paykel

Domestic spaces are a fascinating reflection of sociological, cultural and generational changes. For centuries, kitchens were considered spaces of function and utility where, typically, women or housekeepers discreetly prepared and cooked food. Today, they’re the gravitational point of most homes – from large family houses to compact apartments – conceived as spaces in which to gather, connect and share. Evidently, as our world changes, so too do our lifestyles and habits, and in turn the intricacies and complexities of the spaces in which we live. Fisher & Paykel is committed to designing products for this changing world, encompassing both the private and multi-residential sectors in its considered outcomes for all types of lifestyles and typologies.

Harnessing agility and openness in design and manufacture, Fisher & Paykel’s appliances are deeply informed by human experience. From research to prototyping, designers are encouraged to be observant and to unpick changing patterns – noticing, improving and resolving challenges and ideas through product design. This means pairing an understanding of the past, present and future with an ongoing observation of micro and macro sociocultural trends, demographics and consumer preferences.

Flexibility and diversity in its range has allowed Fisher & Paykel to not only respond to but guide changing lifestyles and trends with ease. A commitment to working with architects and designers has resulted in unparalleled appliance integration opportunities, and its Minimal and Contemporary ranges are favoured across the board. In commercial spaces, Fisher & Paykel’s versatility is essential, as the company works closely with architects and developers to find clever, space-saving solutions on large scale projects. What’s more, its Trade Resources portal offers industry professionals and detail focused clients extensive tools and resources for design and installation, creating endless possibilities.

Fisher & Paykel’s enquiry into solutions that enrich the lives of the user is ongoing, and understanding the demands of the kitchen is essential to this. Contemporary kitchens are not only spaces for cooking but also for socialising, hosting and, in some cases, working from home, meaning the functional requirements are more nuanced than ever before. As such, there’s a need for clever design solutions and increased convenience, and Fisher & Paykel’s Touch Screen Ovens – a range of premium cooking products controlled by a touchscreen interface with intuitive guided cooking capability – are a direct reflection of this. The ovens offer three different techniques – cook by function, cook by food type and cook by recipe – so the user can adapt the cooking experience to their needs and capabilities. Also, the CoolDrawer, which can function as a pantry, refrigerator or freezer, or the Warming Drawer for plates and cups, cater directly to the avid entertainer, allowing for effortless hosting. These products and many more elevate our cooking experiences and bring added ease and efficiency to the growing requirements of the kitchen, and seamless integration opportunities only enhance this.

As Fisher & Paykel continues to design products for a changing world, it hopes to work with like-minded, design-led change makers in rethinking our homes and built environments. Seeking to respond to both fundamental requirements and coveted concepts on a human scale, Fisher & Paykel’s appliances are, in many ways, a tangible reflection of our ever-evolving lifestyles.