Architect-Designed Hardware

Twisting from a cylinder into an ellipse that fits comfortably in hand, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s (SOM’s) 2008 H 359 is part of Italian hardware brand Valli&Valli’s architect-designed Fusital collection. The design team used aerodynamics technology from the auto industry to achieve the piece’s ergonomic form. The reflections and shading afforded by its materiality—polished and satin nickel and chrome—are meant to add extra dimension, SOM says.