Netherlands-based architectural hardware manufacturer Formani has introduced the RIVIO collection, designed in partnership with Gensler— a first-time collaboration for two companies dedicated to offering the highest-quality products. Even something as seemingly simple as a handle was transformed. “We’re always striving to improve user experience with our designs, and this collection, with its unique ergonomics, is no exception,” said Scott Star, director of product development and co-global practice area leader at Gensler.
Founded in 1995, Formani specializes in fittings for doors, windows, and furniture, in addition to other accessories. “Our style is unique, but with a Dutch simplicity. And obviously, we are specialized because we only make door handles, cabinet pulls, and the other hardware. We focus on the total concept, so when you choose a handle you have the same look for the entire product family. It is a 360-degree viewpoint,” noted Pim Aarts, owner and managing director, Formani.
The company has grown from a family business to a global brand that frequently works with world-class designers and architectural firms such as Piet Boon, Tord Boontje, and David Rockwell. With just under a dozen successful collaborations already completed, Aarts was interested in an expanded presence in the America – which continues to be a complex endeavor. “We have focused on the U.S. for the last few years, seeking strategic partners and concentrating on outreach. But coming from Europe and trying to move forward in this market is not easy. It has been a long road, but we are getting there,” Aarts said.
Well aware of the firm’s reputation, Aarts was undaunted and made the connection quickly. “For us it doesn’t get bigger or better than Gensler, and I finally just sent an email. It really was as simple as that, and I heard back from Scott the next morning. That’s how it started,” he said.
There is a surprising alignment between the disparate companies—both touch every corner of the globe. “We are relatively small compared to Gensler, this massive company,” Aarts noted. “They are everywhere in the world, and we have distributors in more than 50 countries. So wherever you can find a Gensler office, there is somebody selling our products. That’s what we have in common.”
Designing with so many teams, however, was a new experience for those at Formani. They often work with one designer who proposes a few styles which are then selected for a line. For the RIVIO Collection, a variety of options were presented for each segment. “Gensler brought a lot of people on board from different backgrounds. There was one designer for office and another for restaurants, and so on. That design process was a real luxury for us,” Aarts added.
Transition was the watchword for the Gensler designers. Carved through the center of its circular section and transitioning from slender to solid, the flowing cutaway of the handle allows the thumb and fingers to engage in a more natural way. The elegant piece is offered in two variations, curved or a 90-degree angle leading to the neck and rose.
Crafted of stainless steel with state-of-the art CNC and VMC machinery specifically designed for milling and turning parts, all of the products in the collection are available in four finishes: satin stainless steel, Physical vapor deposition (PVD) satin gold, PVD satin black, and bronze powder coat.
Physical vapor deposition is a process in which a solid material is vaporized in a vacuum and deposited onto the surface of a part. These coatings are not simply layers of metal, but they actually change the properties of the metal surface itself. PVD hardware is highly resistant to corrosion and acidity from hands. “It is best in hospitality settings where many people are touching the handles every day,” Aarts noted.
The style and form make the RIVIO pieces ideal in any interior. “Whether used in a hospitality setting, residential environment, office, or retail space, the shapes are haptically engaging and make even the shortest of interactions easier and more enjoyable,” Star said.
Aarts noted that while each company has distinct operations, they were united in their vision. “We always search for partners that have a similar design philosophy, and Gensler has much of the same in their DNA. We had that, combined with their knowledge and professionalism, and it worked really well for us,” Aarts added.