The Deeper Meaning of a Door Handle - The Poetry of Archicteture
“When I think about architecture, images come into my mind. Many of these images are connected with my training and work as an architect. They contain the professional knowledge about architecture that I have gathered over the years. Some of the other images have to do with my childhood. There was a time when I experienced architecture without thinking about it. Sometimes I can almost feel a particular door handle in my hand, a piece of metal shaped like the back of a spoon.
“I used to take hold of it when I went into my aunt’s garden. This door handle still seems to me like a special sign of entry into a world of different moods and smells. I remember the sound of the gravel under my feet, the soft gleam of the waxed oak staircase, I can hear the heavy front door closing behind me as I walk along the dark corridor and enter the kitchen, the only really brightly lit room in the house.”
- Peter Zumthor
The poetic way Peter Zumthor describes architecture is representative of his work, style, and projects. He has a way of creating experiences within architecture. How he utilizes texture, light, and space creates incredible buildings. I would categorize him as an artist, just as much as an architect. Just as he takes an artistic approach to viewing architecture, how we look at the buildings could be more poetic. The floor, ceiling and walls are not just a box that holds us in place, but rather the backdrop for our lives. Most of our important experiences will take place surrounded by architecture in one way or another. I think of some of my memories in recent years and the architecture that acted as the backdrop:
the city block that my wife and I walked through on our first date - the first time we made each other laugh
the park where I proposed
the church where we were married
the first house that we lived in
the hospital room where we had our first child
the apartment we brought her back to
the living room where she took her first steps
The buildings and spaces above are indelibly marked in my mind; the texture, light, and feelings. As an architect I try to think of the poetic nature of architecture, and how these spaces can imprint meaning in my client’s lives. I try to think of the young family that will bring their first child home; the grandparents who will host Sunday dinners; the teenager who will cement lifelong friendships; the building where you start a business. I want to create buildings that frame the most meaningful moments in your life with the most important people.
Returning to the work of Peter Zumthor, he has much to teach concerning these architectural experiences: Born the son of a cabinet maker, Zumthor learned firsthand the importance of craftsmanship, design, and material from an early age. As a young man, he worked for the Department for the Preservation of Monuments, developing his understanding of monumental architecture and the sculptural importance they hold. When he started his own practice he carried with him this desire to create meaningful spaces through careful attention to craftsmanship. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a thought leader, and a master storyteller through architecture. In the gallery below, you can scroll through some of my favorite Zumthor Projects.
Zumthor’s focus on the experience within architecture was one of my favorite parts of my education. This focus on how we feel in a building is often referred to as phenomenology - or the idea on the individual phenomenon within a space. It’s a look at how we interact with the built environment; the things that make us feel a certain way. It observes how architecture is used to influence an emotion within us. For example, I think of the Salt Lake City Library as a local example of this principle. The size and volume of the space creates an incredible feeling. The natural light is brilliant, but controlled. The volume of the main entry is huge, emphasizing the importance behind the design. Sitting in this space, the dedication to a larger meaning is evident in its architecture.
Interior of Salt Lake City Library - Designed by Moshe Safdie
Recently I had a conversation with a friend of mine who finished designing her home several years ago. She talked me through her design inspirations, meanings and ideas. Her family is the most important part of her life, so she wanted to design a home that reflected this priority. The living was large and vaulted, the kitchen had several islands and seating areas, and the dining room was full of light and connected to the rest of the space. She even had included a sitting area between the kitchen and the living room, giving a space for conversation to break out. Today, he home is used by her family often and provides a space for kids and grandkids to gather and spend time together.
As we talked, she told me about her selection of door handles throughout the house. She nearly tripled her budget just on door hardware because her interior designer stressed the importance of quality handles. She gravitated towards brass that has aged beautifully. The designer counseled her that this small detail would elevate the design of her home. My mind went back to Peter Zumthor’s thoughts on door handles and how they are linked to our memories. I pushed this idea further by telling my friend that the door handles are also linked to our loved ones. Doors are often the only things we touch, feel, and interact with in architecture. If we visit a space, the only thing we are sure to touch is door. Over time handles show wear from use. I pointed out to her that the hands of her kids, and the little hands of her grandkids have worn the door handles down. When we use those doors ourselves, it is like we are shaking hands with our loved ones.
As I design, I try to think of how certain elements can imprint meaning. Door handles carry the touch of our loved ones. Windows frame the views of the place we choose to live. Countertops become the place we connect and converse. How light enters a room sparks our moods and behaviors. To me, architecture is the shaping and refining of these spaces to influence us. It’s the art of creating meaning in space. Next time you use a door handle, look for the signs of wear that ties you to the family and friends that have shared it.
