Industrial buildings need not be boring!

Commercial and industrial steel building design has come a long way from the banal big box structures you think you know.

Industrial buildings tend not to win architectural awards. The lack of trophies and public adulation should not come as a surprise. Traditionally, they are built to serve a defined purpose, while being functional and accessible.

Industrial and commercial buildings built using steel pre-engineering are a versatile and intelligent way to build quickly and inexpensively, ideal for growing businesses that need more working, storage or production space on a reasonable budget. While architectural critics may think traditional industrial steel building design is a little mundane, your facility doesn’t have to follow suit.

Conventional design is an intentional choice

Yes, most commercial and industrial buildings look similar, but they don’t have to. Starting with a concrete foundation, you and your project architects and engineers have all the freedom to choose how the final building will look. You have complete creativity to create the building of your dreams. If you can envision it, building with steel can make it a reality. Check out the benefits of building with pre-engineered steel panels. 

The reason for the ubiquity and most industrial buildings confirming to the same design was out of practicality, affordability and the need to be up and running as soon as possible. Commercial and industry parks were created quickly in response to the tremendous economic growth that took place over the last forty years. In the wake of the Great Recession, in particular, the North American economy shifted from a manufacturing culture to a warehousing culture. With companies needing to build quickly and to produce many much-needed industrial buildings, a standardized – but highly functional – design became popular. 

Simple designs served a purpose: to maximize space, and to create adaptable, open spaces for working space and storage. It was a case of efficient and versatile layout being chosen in return for construction speed. In the years since, builders have perfected the pre-engineered building systems, so clients have so much more choice in design without sacrificing affordability or construction quality. Although we tend to believe that artistic masterpieces need to be intricate and complicated, some of the greatest works are intentionally simple, even repetitive, in their design. 

Creative design in the context of its surroundings 

Public expectations of building design have evolved over time. At present, even industrial and commercial buildings need to have aesthetic appeal to suit the ways people do business and shop and to create a satisfying customer experience. Specifically, think of production buildings, such as wineries, breweries or agriculture. People are more invested in knowing the provenance of where they get their products. They visit factories and production facilities and buy direct. It is a drive that affects the entire supply chain regardless of industry, pushing the need for sustainability and for buildings to be built with environmental responsibility using low-carbon materials. Do you want a modern, eye-catching design full of architectural detail and shapes? You get exactly what you want. 

Being eye-catching remains desirable, but so does having the building being responsive to its immediate context, such as being consistent with local culture, topography, natural views and accessibility. It is not unreasonable for builders to be expected to try to make a positive contribution to their neighbourhood. Building with pre-engineered systems doesn’t limit your design creativity. When you choose to build, everything is customized to you precise needs, including aesthetics, so they fit in to their surroundings.

Building to a practical purpose 

Of course, a building’s design is aesthetic yet still contains a practical side we need to remember. Simple and plain architecture tends to favour durability. Think of the eternal grace and strength of Egypt’s stone pyramids and the square elegance of Chicago’s Willis Tower. With excessive complexity (i.e., lots of joints, roof openings and corners), the potential becomes larger for water infiltration, damage and more maintenance. Embracing simplicity and plainness can be strategic. The best building projects tend possess the combination of pleasing visuals with functionality and accessibility. Regardless of design, when you build with steel, your building will be built to last.

Engineered to provide the best value 

Industrial buildings might not receive the acclaim and awards of other building projects, but they don’t need them. Commercial construction is designed to serve a practical purpose and you’ll appreciate the sturdy functionality of pre-engineered steel buildings. They’re your most versatile and intelligent way to build quickly and affordably, ideal for growing businesses on a reasonable budget. Give us a call so we can discuss your next building project.