BSH donates ‘green’ appliances to ECU model kitchen
GREENVILLE, N.C. — The BSH Home Appliance Corporation has donated state-of-the-art kitchen appliances to the East Carolina University Department of Interior Design and Merchandising to assist the department in the installation of a green, universal design kitchen model that will help interior design students become familiar with the latest trends in residential design.
The new appliances, including a Bosch induction cooktop, canopy oven hood, refrigerator, freezer, convection microwave oven and dishwasher, are Energy Star-rated and set global standards in technology, convenience and environmental protection. BSH is the world’s third largest leading manufacturer of high-end appliances and sells under the Bosch, Siemens, Thermador and Gaggenau brand in the U.S.
“We are delighted that BSH made this investment in educating the next generation of interior designers. Residential design today is about sustainability, universal access, and efficiency,” said Yaprak Savut, interior design professor. “The new appliances are exciting tools to help faculty impart product knowledge – a real asset for kitchen designers. Students in classes that focus on universal design, sustainable design, and residential systems will reap the benefits of the new Bosch appliances.”
The donation was facilitated by Chuck Dale, human resources manager, and Lindsay Eng, industrial designer, at the BSH Home Appliance Corporation manufacturing plant in New Bern.
Dale said, “We at BSH have had a relationship with ECU for some time and have been the recipient of many excellent students and graduates. In return, we feel that by providing the College of Human Ecology with the finest appliances available in the market, we are able to partner with students and provide a standard for future design concepts. The Universal Design Kitchen partnership benefits BSH, the students and has the potential to impact future interior designs. This is a win-win situation for all involved, now and in the future.”
ECU hopes to begin construction of the model kitchen in summer 2009.
“We are talking with kitchen cabinet suppliers now about donations. As soon as a donor is lined up, we hope to get started on the kitchen, which will be built into one of our larger studios in the Rivers Building. A donation will be a naming opportunity for a donor. Of course, they will share the billing with BSH. It’s all very promising for our students,” Savut said.
Amy Spruill of Greenville, an interior design student specializing in kitchen and bath design, designed the green, universal design kitchen model in 2006. She graduated in May 2008. Spruill won honors for her research at the College of Human Ecology’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum.
BSH Home Appliance Corporation also donated a 500 Nexxt Plus Deluxe washer/dryer set to the ECU Department of Hospitality Management. The Energy Star appliances will demonstrate low water and energy consumption with maximum cleaning ability to future managers of restaurants and hotels.