Doors are integral parts of buildings, both functional and aesthetic; though strength and durability is as important.
The entry points into the home and to different rooms, and doors make it safe and secure. They separate interior spaces for privacy and can withstand climate change or challenges, making them a reliable and lasting addition to the space.
- With the rich textures and weathered finishes; each door tells its own story.
I love traditional doors. To me, it is a blend of timeless beauty and cultural richness. The fascination with antique doors has made a lasting impression on the space around them, adding warmth and positive energy.
The reclaimed doors at Claremont (now Kirti Estate) appear to have been crafted from time-tested dense woods; they maintain their form and beauty from the days gone by. It has a feel of both rustic elegance and vintage beauty.
Aged, the natural patina of these doors creates a striking visual appeal. Crafted, perhaps, from the finest local timbers, these doors embody the richness and antiquity of the ‘Chamba State heritage’ with a tinge of British styles. On the whole, the door’s interior matches its exterior side. The rustic vintage is both functional and simple.
Here the doors enhance the architectural appeal of the structure; besides enabling ventilation.
- Integrating symbolic elements into a ‘sliding door design ’ brings a deeper significance to the space.
The emblem at the top reflects our eternal love; V stands for Vishav Kirti & I am CP. The fabrication is not merely a sturdy barrier. Besides the aesthetic appeal, it blends functionality with my philosophy; combining timeless elegance with modern design. The locking mechanism is aptly camouflaged.
The components make the overall getup. A blend of steel and polycarbonate (PC), a transparent thermoplastic sheet steals the show. Wrought iron gates are the expensive options when it comes to gate materials, though they rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen in the air.
- The created opening in the wall is a doorway; a door is an openable barrier. Conventionally, it is a panel that fits into the doorway of a building and the rooms.
Besides helping with climate control by securing passages into the building, doors provide natural light and air to rooms; also contributing to the insulation. Internal doors define space for convenience, privacy, safety, and security. They contribute to the overall architectural appeal of a structure.
- So many unique doors adorn temples, palaces, forts, hotels and grand homes. I like the vintage carved wooden door of Chhatrari temple in Chamba.
While in Geneva, the wheels on the gates reminded me of the ‘Time Wheels Of Buarani’ back home.
Wooden door at many a location creates a welcoming entrance. The colour symbolizes positivity and abundance. A clear, visible nameplate outside is believed to attract positive energy. The designs of these doors are deeply inspired by the rich and awe-inspiring Swiss culture, with their value further enhanced by influences from French traditions.
- A royal antique door can elevate even the simplest home. A well-crafted one offers both style and security. At Rohtas Fort the architecture at the entrance is amazing.
The door may be able to move in various ways (at angles away from the doorway/portal, by sliding on a plane parallel to the frame, by folding in angles on a parallel plane, or by spinning along an axis at the center of the frame) to allow or prevent ingress or egress.
Owing to space constraints, a typical folding door is put in position in the guest bathroom of Kirti Estate.
A door’s essential and primary purpose is to provide security by controlling access to the doorway (portal).
Doors are commonly attached by hinges but can move by other means, such as slides or counterbalancing.
The intricate latticework at the entrance door of ‘KIRTI COTTAGE’ (1984-85), erstwhile “WANSBECK” (1937- 38), enthrals me in Khanyara village of Kangra.
The Bahubali main gate at the Secretariat in Telangana has just been removed to the surprise of the locals. A new gate will be built as per Vaastu’s stipulations at a whopping amount of money, as reported.
Besides enhancing the ambience and elegance, the entrance sets the tone.
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https://hillpost.in/2024/09/time-wheels-of-buarani/125032/
Prof. (Er.) Chander P Mahajan is an art critic & a free lance journalist. The Environmentalist stays in Shimla and Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, India.
