Exploring the Symbolism of doors

Serving as gateways between spaces, doors are common architectural element in our everyday lives. At Zannier Hotels, we pay a special attention to doors – whether they are for private or communal spaces – and we try to see beyond their practical function.

An Architectural Expression

We don’t often realize it, but doors are amongst the first thing visitors see when arriving to a new place. This is why we pay a lot of attention to their look at Zannier Hotels. Whether they are hunt in flea-markets, made on measure or improvised using twisted materials, all have a history and a purpose. Depending on the cultures, the design and decoration of doors carry different cultural meanings and traditions.

In our properties, they are often in reclaimed solid wood and richly decorated such as in Bãi San Hô with ironwork, at Nonna Bazaar with carved façades or at Le Chalet with lattice wood. From the ornate and intricate doors of heritage buildings to the sleek and minimalist designs of modern architecture, doors reflect an artistic point of view. With their different elements (hinges, handles, keys & bolts…), they are canvases for expressing an architectural style and concept, and often a portal to the past.

Symbolic Passageways

Doors also hold a spiritual significance. They allow a transition from outdoor to indoor areas, creating de facto a separation between different atmospheres. At Phum Baitang or Bãi San Hô for instance, they allow the transition from the wild garden surrounding each villa to the serene and comfortable interiors of the accommodations.

In this regard, doors symbolize (personal) boundaries and privacy. They can fulfil a desire for solitude or on the contrary, represent movement from one place to another. Opening or closing a door is hence a way to control our personal spaces.

“We see stepping through the doorway as an invitation for our guests to write another chapter of their lives.”

Synonym of Mystery

Doors are mainly used to delimitate spaces. At Zannier Hotels, we see them as an invitation to explore the unknown and explore new realms. Behind every door, there may be a chance for a new adventure or a hidden treasure. They are synonym of transition, opportunity and excitement. This is why we like varying their shapes, sizes, materials and opacity.

They remind us that every passage, whether physical or metaphorical, is an opportunity for growth and change. And most probably, behind each door, there will be a smiling face greeting you with warmth.

“Behind those doors lay a world of secrets.”

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