One of the hallmarks of great architecture is profound attention to detail. That awareness lies behind SOM’s creation of elegant door handles for the Italian hardware company Valli & Valli. The collaboration resulted in two distinct lines that convey style and functionality.
For the first “O” line, SOM created a simple yet classic set of door handles suitable for a variety of commercial and residential applications. The shape of the handle is a single bold stroke that implies the motion required to operate it. Its twisting shape morphs from a cylinder to an ellipse to comfortably accommodate the hand. The second line of “O” door handles feature a fluid, organic form inspired by metal in its molten state. The design captures motion frozen in space and time, and highlights the ever-changing reflections of polished metal surfaces.
To design the hardware, SOM utilized aerodynamics software created for the auto industry, as well as new rapid-prototyping technology that enabled resin models to be made with 3D printers. Testing of both lines with a variety of users ensured that the door handles are as natural to use as they are beautiful.
