Industrial Chic part one: How did this style of Architecture and Interior Design evolve?

Bethlehem Steel Works - Photo courtesy of Chuck Kuhn

With the Industrial Revolution society shifted away from hand crafted items produced in the home or village. Household goods, textiles, and a variety of parts and products could now be made by machine, in a factory setting. Mass production made goods more affordable, which increased demand. New mechanical designs were invented both for machinery in the factories and advanced modes of transportation. These changes supported continuing expansion and fueled the need to build more factories throughout the 19th Century. 

During the 20th Century America shifted into a post industrial society. Many formally developing nations are now capable of mass producing products and their wage rates are significantly lower. Transportation made it possible to reside beyond the city limits. During the second half of the 2oth century suburbia expanded and eventually the population of some major cities decreased. These are just a few of the factors that contributed to the abandonment of many mills, warehouses and factories. 

Eventually these abandoned buildings would be repurposed, loft living was one of the first adaptive uses. The loft living trend started in the SoHo district of New York in 1968. SoHo was once described as an “industrial wasteland” of sweatshops and small factories. SoHo is also home to an unsurpassed collection of 19th Century Cast-Iron Architecture. Early Historic Preservation efforts and local artists looking for affordable living and studio spaces converged. Many exceptional buildings in SoHo were preserved and loft living became a new trend. 

Artists were drawn to the SoHo area because the lofts offered large spaces for living and working. On the other hand the neighborhood had been neglected, so rents were affordable. High ceilings and large windows provided plenty of natural light, which is ideal for an artist’s studio. These spaces also offered improved acoustics and interesting structural elements, such as exposed brick. Some people choose to leave ductwork and electrical conduits exposed. The loft lifestyle has become so chic that some structures are re-outfitted for luxury living. The loft lifestyle is still pursued by artisans, but also sought out by urban professionals from all walks of life.

The lofts were only the beginning, since then these abandoned buildings from the industrial age have been morphed into restaurants, office spaces, retail outlets and a multitude of other uses. Locally we have the Steel Stacks campus, a renaissance at the former Bethlehem Steel Works. This site will serve cultural, educational and historical interests as well as the tourism, entertainment and retail industries. 

Check back in a few days for part two, or subscribe to this blog by clicking the Follow button above.