Foster + Partners Industrial Design has collaborated with FSB, the renowned German manufacturer, to create a range of handles in aluminium, stainless steel and bronze finishes. The design of the FSB 1292 product collection follows a freehand curve, defining the soft and tactile qualities of this timeless range.
Mike Holland, Head of Industrial Design, Foster + Partners, said: “Door handles are often our first point of contact with a building, marking the threshold and introducing us to the spaces within. A handle is a first impression - and it should be a good one. Melding craftsmanship with industrial manufacture, the range is designed to be tactile and inviting.”
The range embodies FSB and Foster + Partners’ shared guiding principles of consistency, quality and sustainability. The collection is built around 1291, a new typology of handle with a short and deep profile, allowing the hand to rest naturally. The 1292 follows, taking the same design language into a more classic lever handle design. 1293 fulfils the EN 179 requirements for emergency exits and escape routes. The full range includes doorknobs, lever handles, safety handles, pull handles and coat hooks.
Together, the complete collection meets the diverse requirements of modern commercial and residential buildings. Its universal design means that the handles can be fitted within any building around the world. Although they share the same design language, every iteration of the handle was viewed as an individual design and ergonomic challenge. The range also meets the highest standards of fire safety, hygiene, and accessibility requirements.
Durability is central to the design concept, creating a unified collection of products that will have longevity and last for generations. The pure aluminium finish requires fewer processing stages than conventional aluminium, adding to the range’s sustainable credentials.
