Family Compound—Mark Erickson

“The door handle is the handshake of the building.” — Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa

The doors of family compounds in Gambia, West Africa represent not only generations of family history, but they become an identifier of place. Like a family crest or flag, each custom entrydoor stakes a lot of land. It’s also a unique wayfinding technique, as there are no door numbers or street names. Turn at the orange door or knock twice on the green door with the diamond centrepiece.

 A threshold between public and private space, these doors swing open to allow people and vehicles through. An open door welcomes visitors into the courtyard while the huts inside the compound remain private. The family’s chickens, goats and dogs can also pass freely throughout.

 The punched patterns into sheet metal or ornate pickets painted in different colours are part of each family’s unique commission. Local metalworkers customize the handle, latch and lock system. Each family door sounds different when opening. Each is a memorable expression of the place you’ve just entered. Acting as handshakes, these doors are also remarkable expressions of individual identity while living within close and clustered proximity.

All Images: Courtesy of the artist

Mark Erickson is a designer based in Calgary that is interested in environmental design, focusing on compact living, multi-generational housing, and the crossover between art and architecture.