Back in 1999, designer Antonio Citterio composed what is arguably the epitome of contemporary kitchen design. The Artusi Kitchen featured—and continues to feature, I might add, for a whole generation of dyed-in-the-wool food enthusiasts—“over-sized burners with infinitely adjusting flame (gas, of course), deep country-style sink (stainless steel, of course), and large center island with 360 degree access.”

Artusi Outdoor Kitchen. Designed by Antonio Citterio. Manufactured by Arclinea.

Antonio Citterio’s Classic Artusi Kitchen Takes the Game Outdoors

In the above formulation, one might argue, the only thing missing is the locale. In other words, the first Artusi is exclusively and solely for indoor use—certainly a reasonable constraint, but what if the very same ensemble could be had poolside? Indeed, Arclinea has recently announced the debut of the Artusi Outdoor Kitchen.

“The new Artusi Island becomes a true unique outdoor kitchen, like every Arclinea product, conceived and presented as a real space—a kitchen for living and using.” Yes, if the hub of indoor life can be said to be the kitchen, than certainly the nexus of backyard spaces from the Hamptons to Tuscany may also be the kitchen.

To achieve this auspicious synthesis of form and function, Citterio stayed with Artusi’s basic bones of stainless steel and added a few details to help it withstand the elements. These include 4 cm thick doors with internal isolating foam and magnetic seal. These additions batten down the hatches, as it were, keeping out the weather as well as any uninvited guests of the insect variety.

All the exterior surfaces of Artusi Outdoors are stainless steel—worktop, doors, and rear and side surfaces. In addition to maintaining aesthetic continuity with its predecessor, the material gives Artusi Outdoors excellent hygienic qualities as well as an idealized level of thermal insulation.

Other features include an interior structure of Okoumé marine grade plywood, deep internal refrigerated drawers for food and beverage storage, cooktop, sink, and integrated barbecue. The cooking elements of Artusi Outdoors are powered via propane cylinders—the island features dedicated storage with secure venting for gas canisters.

About the Manufacturer: How to merge technology and creativity into superlatively functional kitchen schemes that look like they belong in the 21st century? Arclinea’s secret has something to do with a venerated history of craftsmanship, a sharp eye for ergonomics, and a flexible approach to design and aesthetics: “Arclinea carefully contemplates the use of space, time and utensils, and considers the movements involved in food preparation and cooking. This is evident in the materials, the colors, the freedom of movement and composition, and in every working aspect of the kitchen.”