Remembered classics: FSB 1004. David Chipperfield places geometry at center stage

As an homage to modern times, David Chipperfield, working closely with premium hardware manufacturer FSB in the late 2000s, shaped a kind of reversal of the formal principle underlying the famous Gropius door handle from the 1920s. Chipperfield's FSB 1004 design impresses to this day with a clear form concept that meets all functional requirements. Referencing the iconic design of Walter Gropius and Adolf Meyer, the renowned British architect was guided by the strict lines of geometry for his reduced design.

The historic Gropius handle already convinced as a minimalist design with a focus on geometric design. Attached to a short round handle neck is a square angled curve section that turns into a circular handle. With the contemporary FSB 1004 collection, Chipperfield also focuses on geometric forms, yet the reimagined version changes its positioning: a circular handle neck transitions into a square cross-section that runs parallel to the door leaf as a curved handle and rejuvenates into a rectangle at the top end.

That David Chipperfield is shaping a door handle program corresponds to his understanding of architecture per se. His team understands buildings as settings, as globally designed spaces that create a special place for people and provide a stage for interactions. "If one understands architecture as a setting, then one also becomes interested in objects that are in it," Chipperfield said. In this interpretation, the choice of door handles expresses the overall vision of the building and realizes architecture "en miniature." Taking this approach as a basis, the versatile door handle program is featured in numerous projects, for example in the James-Simon Gallery in Berlin, the luxury hotel Café Royal in London or the Amorepacific Headquarters in Seoul. Recently, the minimalist door handles were also used in the Bötzow-Areal in Berlin.

The handle program that meets all relevant hardware standards and building technology requirements is available in aluminum, stainless steel and a warm-touch bronze version. Models for standard and profile doors are enhanced by variants for escape doors, a lift/slide door handle, roseless handles for doors and windows and a glass door fitting.