Siemens Home appliances recently organised a panel discussion on Integration of Smart Home Appliances in Modern Architecture. Moderated by Sameer Balvally, Owner, Studio Osmosis, the panel featured Saif Khan, MD & CEO, BSH Home Appliances; Emalda Philip, Category Head, BSH Home Appliances; Shilpa Balvally, Owner, Studio Osmosis; Bhagyashree Verma, Owner, Noesis and Aakif Hakib, Owner, Aakif Hakib Atelier. The panelists discussed the growing trend of integrated living, emphasizing the importance of understanding which cooking appliances to recommend for modern kitchens.
Designers highlighted that the kitchen has evolved beyond a place for cooking; it has become a central space for family bonding and social interaction. More and more, consumers are prioritizing the design and functionality of their kitchens, often making it one of the first aspects they consider when planning their homes. This shift reflects a broader trend towards luxury living, driven by rising disposable incomes, with people wanting everything in their kitchens to be connected. Cooking time is evolving into a bonding activity, where advanced appliances play a significant role in enhancing the experience. The discussion also touched on the significant changes in kitchen design and usage pre- and post-COVID. Panelists noted that the pandemic heightened the importance of home spaces, with kitchensbecoming multifunctional areas where families spend more time together. The push and intensity for kitchen designing accelerated rapidly after COVID, resulting in increased demand for premium to luxury appliances to complement these new spaces.
Khan shared insights on Siemens’ focus on consumer centricity, stating, “At Siemens, keeping consumer centricity at the core of everything we do is paramount.” He elaborated on the recent Siemens brand refresh in January 2024 in India, which aims to cater to progress seekers by integrating cutting-edge technology and intuitive design into their product range. He also highlighted Siemens’ long history of manufacturing appliances since 1906, underscoring the brand’s legacy of quality and innovation. He noted that the Indian market has become more intuitive regarding design, and Siemens collaborates with both international and Indian designers to meet these evolving preferences.
Khan emphasized how Siemens addresses the increasingly particular preferences of consumers regarding their food and beverages. For instance, their coffee machines, integrated with the Home Connect app, allow users to prepare their coffee exactly as they like, remembering their preferences for future use. This level of customization and convenience extends to other appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, which combine superior design with ease of use. “Our technology doesn’t separate families; instead, it brings them together, even through everyday chores,” Khan added.
Overall, the panel provided valuable insights into how integrated smart home appliances are shaping modern architecture, reflecting a shift towards more informed, luxury-oriented and connected living.
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