How to Design a Culinary Arts Demonstration Kitchen

An effective culinary-arts demonstration kitchen gives students an extensive view of the instructor's workstation, and provides space for students to learn through hands-on practice. Minimize obstructions that can prevent students from observing the instructor's work, and choose the quietest equipment you can find so students can hear the instructor. Give safety features special attention in your design, to accommodate inexperienced chefs.

Things You'll Need

  • Instructors' workstation
  • Video cameras
  • Video screens

Instructions

  1. Situate the instructor's workstation in a central, visible location. Students should be able to see and hear the instructor from every part of the room.

  2. Plan locations for video cameras and video screens. Place one camera in a location to film the instructor's prep station, and another camera over the stove, where it can film multiple burners. Situate video screens on either side of the instructor's workstation, high enough for all students to see.

  3. Minimize clutter around the workstation by arranging cabinets for pans and utensils within reach, but away from the island containing the instructor's stove and prep area.

  4. Place a hand-washing sink within easy reach of the workstation, but at enough of a distance to not interfere with instruction activity or for water to splash on prep areas.

  5. Plan student workstations where up to four students can work together. Workstations should be islands with stainless-steel prep stations and burners if students are cooking.