Story of the handle inspired by automotive design

The initial step towards collaboration arose from the initiative of the manufacturer M&T, who approached David Bodino in Milan during the presentation of the doors of the Ferrero Legno brand, where he was then serving as the artistic director. "The decision to accept the offer was easy," recalls the designer, continuing: "I already had experience with Czech culture. I was convinced by the high technical quality, precision, reliability, expertise, and the combination of tradition with innovation."

From this starting point, a project gradually emerged that connects two different worlds – automotive design and interior architecture. David Bodino wanted to transfer the attention that car manufacturers pay to the development of handles and door openings into the ordinary user's contact with space. "Handles are a key point between people and the surrounding world. I wanted to create one that connects ergonomics while also being aesthetically captivating," he says.


The development process was a journey for both sides in search of balance – they grappled with differing perceptions of proportions and ergonomics between Italian and Central European cultures. While the designer's initial idea was for operation through movement towards oneself – similar to a car door – the final version remained true to the traditional rotary principle. "David had a clear aesthetic vision from the beginning. Our task was to align it with structural and manufacturing capabilities. We proceeded slowly, with respect for the material and the process. Even though work paused at times, this break allowed for a reconsideration and advancement of the outcome," describes Roman Ulich from M&T, with designer Bodino adding: "A pause is not a hindrance, but a moment of reflection. Sometimes it is necessary to reassess the direction to clarify what truly matters."

Mutual trust played a significant role in the entire process. "The experts at M&T know exactly what they are doing. Roman Ulich is not just a manufacturer but also a designer, which makes collaboration immensely easier," says David Bodino.

Autoklika was officially presented at this year's Designblok. Photo: David Kraus for M&T

The resulting Autoklika retains a silhouette inspired by the handles of classic Italian cars – it is slightly retro, but with a touch of futurism, with subtle lines reminiscent of the streamline moderne style. Although it appears minimalist, it conceals a sophisticated technical solution: an integrated rose and a return spring for the lock, making the whole compact and unobtrusive with no distracting structural details. "Autoklika can transfer the character of automotive design to interior doors – discreetly, but with a clear reference," adds Roman Ulich from M&T.

Autoklika is made of solid brass and is available in seventeen surface finishes. It also offers a variant for fully glass doors and windows, allowing it to unify the language of the interior across the entire project.


www.kliky-mt.cz