colombo design: esprit by birgit lohmann in singapore

‘esprit’ door handle by birgit lohmann (designboom) image © designboom

a door handle may be used for more than solely the opening and closing of doors. the handle is symbolic of plunging into a new frontier; the door standing as the limit between two universes. the colombo design door handles embody two points of significance: one visionary and the other tactile. when the latter interpretation takes precedent over the first, it leaves off to exist setting free its own being which is the hidden ‘esprit’ of all things. the designboom still-life series celebrates both the dynamic quality of the door handle in the foreground in combination with the beauty observed just beyond the piece in what is ultimately a surrealistic visualization of a traveling artifact. the atmosphere is captured so authentically that one can practically touch it.

‘esprit’ explores the blooming gardens, bustling city, and picturesque panoramas of tropical singapore images © designboom

the ‘esprit’ door handle by birgit lohmann, editor-in-chief of designboom, for colombo speaks to two manifestations of the concept of space; both inside and outside, here or there. every space has a unique interaction with natural light. the polished lever is able to beautifully reflect the light found in any space. the images included in this colombo design series were taken by designboom on our recent trip to the singapore international furniture fair, in march of 2012.

the marina bay sands building by moshe safdie architects image © designboom

the marina bay sands hotel roof top is outfitted with an infinity pool– looking into the city from the waters edge, an illusion of floating into the skyline is achieved image © designboom

read more about marina bay sands hotel here.

the doorhandle is not photoshopped into the screen, but rather, captured in singapore’s colorful surroundings. true to conceptual photographic still-life practice, we have removed the stick from several of the images in post-production, further combining the real ‘esprit’ handle into the true landscape. the reflections and light are authentic and instantaneous — produced by the environment in the moment the image was captured.

‘esprit’ looks up to an open sculpture image © designboom

‘gardens by the bay’ by wilkinson eyre image © designboom

read more about designboom’s coverage of ‘gardens by the bay’ by wilkinson eyre.

‘esprit’ seems to fit every surrounding, its gleaming surface enhances its environment with ease image © designboom

this vibrant, colorful bay in singapore is yet another well-matched setting for this minimalistic lever image © designboom

protecting the world from the fast depletion of resources has become more and more important in a global economy. one point is particularly

emphasized in these efforts– the attention paid to manufacturing and production upon the environment. colombo design production processes

are the result of a total attention to environmental protection. through the accurate management of these processes, the company has obtained

the elite UNI EN ISO 14001 certification ‘certified environmental management system’, ensuring clients that colombo design production

is completed with the environmental wellness in mind.

the company uses a finishing process borrowed from the tools industry, in which physical and mechanic features are produced to guarantee

a very high performance, as far as mechanic wear, decay due to environmental and chemical agents, bright sunshine, and drastic/rapid changes

in temperature are concerned. the strength of the finish and low rate of surface friction ensure an enduring resistance to scratches from jewelry or keys,

for example. the durability of the handle’s finish is especially important in marine areas with high-salinity or regions subject to acid rains.

‘esprit’ by birgit lohmann (designboom) polished zirconium SS HPS, chrome, and matte chrome door handle, manufactured by colombo design, italy image © designboom

‘esprit’ has been developed by birgit lohmann (designboom) for colombo design. this new piece has been created with a 50mm diameter x 6.5mm thick sprung.

in singapore, we have captured ‘esprit’, the doorhandle by designboom co-CEO and editor-in-chief birgit lohmann, outdoors. the juxtaposition of the minimalistic tool with the vibrant colors attributed to the south east asian seaside country is an authentic result — there is a tangible quality to the images, as if one could reach out to turn the handle and open a door to the bright exterior environment.

birgit lohmann says of ‘esprit’, ‘the door handle seems to me like a special sign of entry into a world of different sensations. in the attempt to make a common object a little less commonplace, ‘esprit’ is for lovers of the minimal detail. the effect of light on its surface, the polished and brushed finishes, its slim and slender form and smooth lines — all these details emphasize the sensory aspects of the architectural experience and offer a flexibility that can be applied to both modern and classical interiors. the straight lever handle is mounted on a squared backplate to provide a minimalistic appearance and durable design that makes a distinction in any home. with manufacturing precision colombo design has elevated the feel and look of door handles to a design of aesthetic beauty and perfection.‘

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