How can the significance of a surface be described? This question begins the book "On the Surface: Metals in Architecture and Design" and traces the versatile properties of the secret star among design elements. Surfaces define both the appearance and haptics of objects that people come into contact with in their daily lives. Despite their important significance, they are nevertheless often neglected in architecture and design. In this publication, six articles by authors ignite fascination and enthusiasm for surfaces and materials.

In every building process, the selection of door handles and their materials is an important step, as they are one of the few details of a house that people touch every day. Ludwig Wittgenstein already philosophized, "The authenticity of expression cannot be proved; one must feel it." The selection options that open up here seem almost endless. Does one choose an ergonomically shaped design or a strictly geometric model? Does one choose a contemporary handle or one with a distinct history? Form and material are closely related. There are designs whose characteristic visual and haptic beauty fully unfolds only in combination with metal and surface treatment.

Nobly gleaming brass, robust stainless steel, velvety matte aluminum, or warm-looking bronze – the premium fittings manufacturer FSB exclusively processes high-quality and durable metals. These are used, depending on the customer's wishes, in their natural appearance or with permanent colorings or coatings. For almost 140 years, Franz Schneider Brakel GmbH + Co KG has possessed special expertise in metal processing and surface finishing, passing it down from generation to generation, constantly refining and optimizing it. Diverse processing methods such as grinding, tumbling, polishing, anodizing, and patinating create striking and unique surfaces. Traditional craftsmanship is valued in the company as much as the performance of state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.

In six articles, authors engage with the topic in general, as well as in specific terms, within the context of the FSB publication "On the Surface." Photographs of current and historical door handles and knobs, as well as exemplary architectural projects, are used for illustration. Finally, ten FSB materials and surface finishes are presented in a glossary.

With contributions by
Jasmin Jouhar / Interface phenomena, a small guide to metals and surfaces
Heike Hanada / Aluminum blank – a handle for the new Bauhaus Museum in Weimar
Georg Ebbing, Ebbing Architects / Patina – natural – deliberate and staged!
Judith Haase, Gonzales Haase AAS / Coloring through materiality
Bettina Rudhof / Metallic aesthetics
Barbara Glasner / Close-ups

Publisher: FSB Franz Schneider Brakel GmbH + Co KG
Book idea and editorial consulting: Wolfgang Reul,
FSB Franz Schneider Brakel
Book concept, image and text editing, creative direction for cover photo and close-ups of door fittings: Barbara Glasner for Verlag form, Frankfurt
Graphic design: Wiebke Werner, Verlag form, Frankfurt
Publication date: October 2020