Industrial architecture, a field that blends functionality with aesthetic principles, has evolved significantly since the Industrial Revolution. Today we discuss the essence of industrial architecture, its historical roots, and its influence on modern design.
Industrial Revolution Architecture
Industrial architecture, seldom referred to as Industrial Revolution architecture refers to the design and construction of buildings that support industrial functions such as manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. Examples of industrial architecture will constitute grain silos, warehouses, power plants, factories, foundries, breweries, distilleries, assembly plants, Medical Research, and Testing facilities, and commercial facilities amongst others.
A building with industrial design architecture focuses on optimising the space in the most ergonomic and economically efficient way. They account for all the linear or non-linear processes that occur in a space at the moment of the delivery of the raw materials, till their packaging and shipment to a distribution centre. Architects who design them are called industrial architects.
Industrial Design Architecture Features
Characterized by its emphasis on functionality, sometimes it might be confusing with brutalist architecture. However, current architects and designers are turning the facade of these buildings out! One may find common elements uniting numerous buildings made in the subtext of industrial architecture design. These include the following.
- Exposed structural elements; visible steel beams, concrete columns, and ductwork.
- Large windows (metal grid, floor-to-ceiling) to maximize natural light and ventilation.
- Open floor plans for Flexibility in layout for industrial processes and machinery.
- Durable materials (concrete, steel, and brick) for strength and low maintenance.
- High ceilings and large doorways for loading bay and cargo elevators.
- Minimalist due to a lack of embellishments and wear-and-tears from heavy usage.
The Industrial Revolution and Architecture
The term industrial architecture gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution, a period of profound transformation that began in the late 18th century. Between the 1760s and 1830s in England, industrial facilities were set up to process silk, cotton, and brass. They were made of wooden roofs, masonry, and bare plaster. In the later 1700s, technological advancements spread to the US via Samuel Slater.
However, the emergence of the Second Industrial Revolution and architecture is considered to be the true progeny of the term and style. The architectural design was revolutionized by new materials (steel, metal, & concrete) to foray into mass production. Hence they were built in the safest, code-protected, and efficient way. From 1841 to 1914, the industrial revolution grew to accommodate the growing population.
With the 1950s post-industrialist economy, many industries were abandoned. Fast forward to Lower Manhattan in the 1960s, former warehouses were changed to artist lofts. This adaptive reuse is still seen today.
The Evolution of Industrial Architecture Design
While the Industrial Revolution and architecture still go hand in hand, they have evolved over the years to account for climate change, processing efficiency, and transportation needs. They are also built to promote sustainability. At present, the West is adopting a more post-industrial philosophy. Naturally, many architectural masterpieces have undergone adaptive reuse for residential, commercial, and entertainment needs. Albert Kahn’s 1931 Ford Assembly Building Car Factory (Richmond, Virginia) is an industrial architecture masterpiece which was listed in the 1998 National Register of Historic Places.
With the oncoming of AI and robotics, the ‘nouveau’ approach to industrial design architecture has changed. Robots are used to ensure better quality and save money on labour. Despite the shift, heavy protocols are set in place to prevent unforeseeable harm to workers and end products. New green building standards are being applied to the existing industrial architecture design. The CopenHill at Copenhagen is another shining 21st-century example of ‘the cleanest waste-to-energy power plant in the world.’
Image Courtesy – Illustrarch
