'angolare' series by neil grantham from south africa

the angolare door handle makes use of angular faces that converge at different points and bring about a feeling of motion, but also a sense of balance. each angled face is harmoniously balanced with the next. the form challenges the overall perception of the standard/classic door handle and draws inspiration from jasper morrison’s 1144 series handle and konstantin grcic’s meta door handle. both these designs exemplify the simplicity of the space they surround, but the ‘angolare’ seeks to challenge the form whilst still keeping the form simple and contemporary.

initially the design took on a more a more standard, utilitarian approach, but from continual conceptualising the handle began to question what a door handle ‘should’ look like. throughout the process, manufacturing considerations were key to a successful product. all parts have the ability to be steel casted and all make use draft release tapers and other moulding characteristics. the rose and escutcheon make use of the colombo ‘6mm concept’ in order to keep these forms as thin as possible. this also enhances the form of the handle rather than the form of the rose. the neck of the handle is made as thin as possible in order to keep material usage to a minimum. the working mechanisms are all standard colombo mechanisms - information taken from colombo manufacturing catalogue’s. both the escutcheon and rose’s internal structure would be suited to housing a standard rounded spring lock mechanism and standard key mechanism mounting plate respectively. production takes casting principles and techniques into practice and finishes include chrome, matt chrome, polished brass and matt gold.

the final design has a unique and novel form. the form intrigues the viewer but also offers a sense of calm and balance to it’s surroundings. the modern form should remain contemporary for a long period of time and will come to express the lifestyle choices of society for years to come.