In the late 1950s, the architects of the Barbican estate in London wanted to install small, efficient, windowless kitchens at the rear of the flats. However, by 1963 London County Council had introduced a bye-law which required all kitchens to have a window or ventilation. So a deal was struck: the kitchens were renamed 'cooking areas' and work proceeded in consultation with yacht designers, Brooke Marine. Today the original fittings are highly sought-after because they were so well-designed, although many kitchens have been cleverly renovated and updated.