colombo design: slim by studio spalvieri / del ciotto in beijing

‘slim’ doorhandle by studio spalvieri / del ciotto in front of the CCTV headquarters by OMA, beijing
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the concept of a handle extends far beyond its purpose of solely opening and closing doors. this fixture is a symbol of moving past a boundary line — the door-as-obstacle motif is representative of a limit between two worlds, the handle being the necessary tool to traverse into a new plane of being. the colombo design door handles embody two points of significance: one visionary and the other tactile. when the latter interpretation takes precedent over the first, it exists as its own being, which is the hidden ‘esprit’ of all things. the designboom still-life series celebrates both the dynamic quality of the door handle in the foreground in combination with the beauty observed just beyond the piece in what is ultimately a surrealistic visualization of a traveling artifact. the atmosphere is captured so authentically that one can practically touch it.

slim by studio spalvieri del ciotto in beijing
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from the bustling metropolis to imperial palaces, we’ve captured the essence of the door handle ‘slim’ by studio spalvieri / del ciotto for colombo on our recent trip to beijing. by removing the handle from its traditional setting indoors and placing it in front of both architectural and historical landmarks, like OMA’s CCTV headquarters and the 600-year-old forbidden city, it creates the possibility of a new relationship to the static object. saturated in antiquity and culture, beijing demonstrates a tremendous range of landscapes and urban environments, all of which reflect as vibrant colors, ornate patterns, and ancient motifs onto the shining surface of the handle. the city’s dynamic sensibility, pushing the boundaries of modernity but rooted in tradition, is highlighted on ‘slim’s’ epic tour of beijing.

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‘slim’ poses beside a chinese flag
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protecting the world from the fast depletion of resources has become more and more important in a global economy. one point is particularly emphasized in these efforts: the attention paid to manufacturing and production. colombo design production processes are the result of a total attention to protection of the natural world. through the accurate management of these processes, the company has obtained the elite UNI EN ISO 14001 certification ‘certified environmental management system’, ensuring clients that colombo design production is completed with the environmental wellness in mind.

‘slim’ checks out the ancient architecture of the 600-year-old forbidden city
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the company uses a finishing process borrowed from the tools industry, in which physical and mechanic features guarantee a very high performance, as far as mechanic wear, decay due to environmental and chemical agents, bright sunshine, and drastic/rapid changes in temperatures. the strength of the finish and low rate of surface friction ensures an enduring resistance to scratches from jewelry or keys. the durability of the handle’s finish is especially important in marine areas with high-salinity or regions subject to acid rains.

the charming red door and lion motif impresses ‘slim’
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the golden guardian lion keeps an eye on the ‘slim’ handle
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‘slim’ explores a waterway tucked away amongst the vast complex of the forbidden city
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wondering what’s behind that hidden doorway
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‘slim’ takes a taste of some local chinese produce
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venturing out into the big city of beijing
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a vibrant red floral motif reflects onto ‘slim’s shining surface
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‘slim’ doorhandle has been developed by spalvieri/del ciotto design studio for colombo design.
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in 2009 valentina del ciotto and simone spalvieri founded spalvieri/del ciotto design studio in milan. main features of their work are simplicity and functionality yet at the same time are highly emotional in aesthetic. they collaborate with various italian and international companies, such as areaplus, greenwitch, lexon, segno, trabo and have won international design competitions, including the “colombo design calls for creativity” in 2009.

material: brass / finish: chrome and matte chrome
image © designboom