Industrial Architecture: 4 Characteristics of Industrial Architecture

Industrial architecture is a type of architectural design used in the construction of buildings in the industrial sector. Industrial buildings are constructed for the purpose of efficiently and safely processing raw materials into new products. Types of industrial buildings include power plants, distilleries, breweries, manufacturing facilities, factory buildings, grain silos, and refineries.

Industrial building design tends to prioritize functionality and worker safety over aesthetically pleasing interior design. However, interior designers are breathing new life into obsolete industrial buildings by turning them into modern office buildings, showrooms, apartment buildings, art galleries, and more.

Industrial architecture can be traced all the way back to the 1700s, and it continues to shape our world today.

• The First Industrial Revolution: Industrial architecture emerged during the First Industrial Revolution that took place in England between 1760 and 1830. These early industrial facilities processed materials like silk, cotton, and brass. They were built as efficiently as possible using the building materials of the day: lumber and masonry.
• The Second Industrial Revolution: What we think of today as industrial architecture is largely based on buildings from the Second Industrial Revolution, which was brought about by the introduction of new building materials such as steel and concrete. These advancements transformed industrial facilities in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These new materials helped to make industrial structures more efficient and safer for workers.
• Industry shifts: By the mid-twentieth century, Europe and the United States began to shift towards a post-industrial economy. No longer dependent on manufacturing jobs, many industrial facilities fell to disrepair and ruin.
• An industrial revival: Beginning in the 1960s, architecture firms in New York City began turning obsolete industrial buildings into upscale apartments. This started a wave of adaptive reuse projects—architecture projects that seek to preserve the history of industrial buildings and bring new life to previously abandoned spaces.
• Modern factories: As the world has become more aware of the adverse effects of industry, many industrial architects are prioritizing sustainability and modern aesthetics.

The design of an industrial building can vary depending on its purpose, but there are some common elements found across the spectrum of industrial architecture.

1. 1. Wide-open spaces: Industrial buildings tend to have open floor plans and high ceilings.
2. 2. Minimalist aesthetic: Industrial architecture tends to follow the philosophy of modern architecture by prioritizing functionality over ornamental flourishes.
3. 3. Exposed materials and utilities: Exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and steel beams are commonly found inside industrial residential spaces. You'll likely find exposed ductwork, wiring, and plumbing as well.
4. 4. Natural light: Industrial architecture makes efficient use of natural light via large, metal-grid windows or floor-to-ceiling windows.

From the dawn of the Industrial Revolution to today, industrial architecture can be found all over the world. A striking example is the Ford Richmond Assembly Plant in Richmond, California. In 1931, German-born architect Albert Kahn built the plant for the Ford Automotive company. At the time of its construction, it was the largest assembly plant on the West Coast. During World War II, it transitioned its efforts to support the war. The plant is largely made from brick and steel and has many large glass windows and skylights. Today, the building is a cultural center and mixed-use office space powered by solar energy.

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