Catalina González

We had been encouraged in recent months, as part of the “In and Out” project, to look into opening and closing mechanisms in our locality that in our opinion either do not make sense, do not work properly or have scope for being enhanced by our own designs.

I immediately set to work, therefore, by taking a look whilst out and about at how other people use opening and closing mechanisms. I analysed how such mechanisms fit in with their surroundings and what types of problem they may give rise to. I focused thereafter on the problems I had myself become aware of during my day-to-day operation of doors and windows.

One recurring situation of a problematic variety nevertheless served as a source of inspiration: I’ve invariably got my hands full when I go to open my front door. I’m either holding shopping, a coffee-to-go beaker or my smartphone.

So as to be able to document, piece together and analyse the phenomenon, I filmed myself endeavouring to open my front door whilst carrying two heavy bags of shopping. Further observations I made whilst out and and about convinced me I was not alone with my problem. There are a great many situations in which people don’t have a hand free to open a door.

The first models and draft-designs arose out the idea of an attachment fastened to one side of the front door on which people could hang what they were carrying before opening the door to their abode. I continued to focus on a scenario involving several or heavy bags of shopping in the further course of my deliberations.

I ultimately opted for the blueprint of a door handle on which bags can be hung. It’s a straightforward solution that does not necessitate too much additional material and thus saves resources and is, moreover, easy for users to comprehend. My design was inspired by the letter “L”.

The body is shaped like an “L” with a slightly inclined upright stroke and features a small declivity on its base that acts as a means of support for shopping bags. This is of a minimal nature so as to avoid bags slipping. There are recesses in the lower section that allow bags to be hung more conveniently.

I decided to 3D-print my draft-design. Two cycles were needed since my first model was of too great a diameter and hence proved less than ideal when used. I selected a smaller diameter for the second and final model and the outcome was satisfactory in the end.

A love of function
I was intent on thinking as Otl Aicher might have done at the beginning of the project. I focused on returning to basics in my design. I wanted to originate something that was completely given over to function, was not too complex and hence was easy to use.
I was also particularly inspired by the familiar limited-edition FSB 1305 lever handle, which was authored by Otl Aicher himself. Above all, I sought to replicate the gripping comfort of the 1305 model in my own design. I opted for something just as classic, sober, elegant and round-cornered as Aicher’s great paragon creation.