When it comes to opening a door there are many ways to do it. You pull a handle, turn a knob, push it forward, press a button or simply stand in front of it. It's strange to think that the door, an object we all know, hasn't always existed. The door opening mechanism has existed for a long time, since the door handle was invented much later than the door itself. Before the door there were simply openings. These openings let in everything from one space to another: people, light, sound, air, insects, etc. While this was fine for a while, the need for something more arose. I think it came about for a few reasons. Doors provide protection from the outside. As homes became more permanent, doors became more and more necessary. Four walls would protect you from the elements, but without a door there would be no access to the space. Even before permanent homes, temporary structures (such as teepees) had entrances to the space that could be opened or closed. I also think another important factor in the development of the door was the need for privacy. As humans, we all need some sort of privacy. Privacy becomes the most important thing in our discussion of doorknobs because whether a door is open or closed indicates whether or not the user of the space wants privacy. The ability to open or close a door gives the user incredible control over their surroundings. Without doors, we are open to the world. Doors and their handles have become a way to distinguish ourselves in space and design. As the complexity of the door progressed, so did the complexity of the handle. With the first doors, we saw ropes that could open or close the door. It was adequate, but these cords were not visually appealing no... middle of paper... national doors, and with the direction the economy is going we might even see a resurgence from automatic doors back to simple, operated doors by man. Works Cited Crown City Hardware. “Hardware Descriptions: Design Periods.” Accessed February 18, 2014. http://www.restoration.com/hardwaredesc2.phpBeal,Janet. Catalogs.com. "Who invented the doorknob?" Accessed February 18, 2014. http://www.catalogs.com/info/home-decor/who-invented-the-doorknob.htmlMade How. "Door handles." Accessed February 18, 2014. http://www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Doorknob.htmlMy Eclectic Loft. “Vintage Sewing Machine Drawers and Gadgets.” Accessed February 18, 2014. http://myeclecticloft.blogspot.com/2013/07/vintage-sewing-machine- drawers-goodies.htmlPreservation Station. Accessed February 18, 2014. http://www.thepreservationstation.com/eight-matching-antique-egg-dart-doorknob-sets-plates.html