Xiaoqun Liu
xiaoqun.liu@stonybrook.edu

Title:
The Ingenious Revolving Door

Synopsis:

At first glance, the revolving door may seem like an annoying contraption, but it serves an important purpose with many advantages over the traditional swinging door. This ubiquitous innovation was invented in the late 19th century, and its history provides insight into innovations born of necessity and etiquette.

Revolving doors allow passage between indoor and outdoor spaces while preventing unwanted airflow. By partitioning the entryway into rotating segments, one panel seals the building as another moves inward or outward. This regulated airflow saves energy in heated and cooled buildings compared to frequent swinging door usage.

The first patent for a revolving door went to a German inventor in 1881, but the concept did not catch on. In 1888, Theophilus Van Kannel patented a three-section storm door for the United States. He went on to establish the Van Kannel Revolving Door Company. By the early 1900s, his design incorporating weather-stripping became the standard configuration still used today.

Objective:
Use 3D modeling and photographs to illustrate the structure and design principles of the revolving door. Use video clips to illustrate the background and development of the invention, including the influence of cultural and social factors. Movie clips are used to relate scenes and characters to help the viewer get a feel for the situation. Use narration and background music to enhance the flow of the narrative. A multimedia approach is used to illustrate the wisdom and longevity of the design.

Audience:

The intended audience includes high school students, undergraduates, and general community members interested in history of technology, architectural innovations, or energy efficiency advancements through practical problem-solving.

Sources:

Who invented the revolving door?
It’s one of those age-old dilemmas – who goes through the revolving door first. It probably doesn’t matter. Rumor has it that the inventor didn’t want to hold a door open for anyone.

https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/who-invented-the-revolving-door.htm

How this design impress?

https://www.invent.org/inductees/theophilus-van-kannel

How the revolving door works?

https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-are-there-revolving-doors