Thursday Salute to Originals: The Rolling Pin Reimagined
Food prep isn’t normally renowned for its place in cutting edge design. While there are plenty of gadgets and gizmos present in modern day kitchens, they are typically geared toward making things faster, easier, and tastier; appliances usually aren’t admired for pushing the boundaries of design.
However, Masters of Interior Architecture & Retail Design (MIARD) students at the Piet Zwart Institute are working to change that perception by (simply) bringing aesthetics into the culinary world, making cooking a literal art. Using seemingly unrelated media to expand and apply their design theory, students took one of the most tried and true (and relatively unchanged) kitchen appliances – the rolling pin – and completely reimagined its design.
Using lasers to cut intricate patterns and designs into the rolling pin itself, the once simplistic kitchen staple is now turned into a giant stamp, effortlessly imprinting modern design into cuisine. Simple traditional use of the rolling pin allows the dough to come alive with texture and pattern. Any cook is instantly turned into an artist; the rolling pin is their brush, the dough is the canvas.
However, aside from the visual appeal, one of the most intriguing things about this redesign is that the function and operation of the rolling pin remain virtually unchanged. In keeping with the appliance’s traditional use, the artwork is applied via the same familiar method of operation: just push and roll. The customary craft is kept intact, while still affording a refreshing and more visually stimulating aesthetic.
Thoughtful and impactful design doesn’t have to be complicated or involve a complete disregard or departure from the original form. Innovative design can elevate and modernize, while still emphasizing traditional form, function, and feeling.
Image credits: Altered Appliances