Aging in Place Handles

The door handle is the handshake of the building.

~ Juhani Pallasmaa, The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses

Aging in Place / Home Shorts Series

I’ve always loved Pallasmaa’s quote (above) it is perfect in every way. Reaching out the hand is an act of connecting, to new people, places, and experiences. Door handles are a portal to life’s openings. Handles provide access, beauty, function, and ease of flow in/out.

Access- Lever handles on doors are easier to operate for young/old and those with occupied hands.

Beauty- Use handles with high contrasting colors easily seen against backgrounds (i.e., black/white)

Function- Sink lever handles on faucets can make them easier on/off than knobs with wet hands.

Ease- Stay away from thumb latches and deadbolts that need pressure to operate.

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