Functionality and architecture can be an interesting thing. In the Western world the majority of businesses have doors that swing on hinges. Occasionally you'll see automatic sliding doors - like at the grocery or pharmacy- but other businesses like shops, restaurants, and bars generally have doors that swing open.
I know it probably surprises you that I notice these things but I'm struck with the quantity of sliding doors in Korea. Small, unassuming cafes have sliding doors, bars have sliding doors, private law firms have sliding doors, homes have sliding doors for both the exterior and interior... there are lots of sliding doors in Korea!
Is this because space is more limited in a small, and populous country? Would doors that swing out smack people in the face in Korea? Are sliding doors less expensive than swinging doors? Why did the Far East embrace sliding doors whereas Western societies embrace hinged doors? None of this matters of course, it's just something I notice that's different than here in the United States.
Pat here. Of course it matters! American construction has used pocket doors forever, and now the sliding barn door is the latest sensation. Korea also uses the revolving door. I’ll never go through one again without thinking about Extraordinary Attorney Woo. It’s as good as some of the sight gags on ‘I Love Lucy!'
Yes, Attorney Woo's door dance is memorable and not unlike the rituals many people with Autisim Spectrum Disorder (ASD) do to manage anxiety. Once, I had a client who worked at a mall. She couldn't make herself go through the exterior doors until she went back to her car three times to make sure the doors were locked. Although most of us would consider this a waste of time, it enabled her to work without being preoccupied with the security of her car. She was never late for work because she always planned time to do this reassuring ritual.
Abeautiful photo is attached to this entry/article/piece. (What do you call it if the whole site is called a blog?) Bac…