VOLO by roland richartz from south africa
designer's own words:
i decided to treat the door handle as an medium with cultural significance, as it can be made to evoke an emotion. for this reason, my fascination for vintage aircraft and their rich heritage was the starting point of volo. the ensuing design process focussed on exploring and refining the appeal of these machines. therefore, the result celebrates the tradition of aviation. from the subtle propeller blade motif of the lever to the elegant, swooping surfaces, to the aerodynamic quality of the profile - it all speaks of aeronautical magnificence. for the rose and the escutcheon, a subtle edge was applied that mimics the handle and ties the forms together visually. not only is the curvaceous design very aesthetic, but it also ensures that the product is comfortable; the palm rests squarely above the accent line, while the scooped form affords good grip. moreover, volo was designed to be die cast in brass and electroplated like colombo design's existing offerings. the manufacturability of the design has been fully resolved. above all, volo is contemporary and attractive, melding into modern interiors seamlessly. however, it goes beyond the ordinary by embodying the romance and beauty of flight.