Snaidero Races Forward

Sheila Kim -- Interior Design, 7/1/2002 12:00:00 AM

Although named after the heart of ancient Athens, Snaidero's new Acropolis kitchen looks more like it belongs on the set of Steven Spielberg's next sci-fi blockbuster. Introduced at Eurocucina 2002 in Milan, the limited-edition system was designed by Paolo Pininfarina, the creative eye behind the company's award-winning Ola kitchen. Pininfarina's sideline career as a stylist for Ferrari is evident in the unit's racy lines and sleek detailing. Planes of aluminum and stainless steel contribute to the futuristic appearance—and are blessedly functional and easy to clean.

The revolutionary kitchen, with its diameter of almost 10 feet, puts everything within easy reach, including the ribbonlike shelving at the open ends of the ring and a flat screen that manages appliances as well as radio, television, and any of the kitchen's other electronic devices. Unlike a galley, the circular profile also promotes home cooking and entertaining: The unit is meant to occupy the center of a kitchen, making it the hub of family life. A separate wall unit is available to accommodate the refrigerator and provide additional storage.