LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL
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INDUSTRIAL DESIGN Q & A
Marketa Rypacek , Managing Director , Industville Ltd
1 . WHAT IS INDUSTRIAL DESIGN IN INTERIOR DESIGN ?
Industrial style decor comprises of stripped back architectural details , including the use of exposed brick , concrete , raw metal and wood , as well as salvaged materials . Industrial design takes inspiration from the lofty look of warehouses and factories , creating the perfect juxtaposition of rustic and modern , rough and homely . In terms of interior design , it is all about achieving a raw edgy style that looks unfinished , yet cohesive and unique .
2 . WHERE DID THE AESTHETIC COME FROM ? WAS IT A REACTION TO SOMETHING ? ANY IDEA WHAT YEAR IT BECAME PROMINENT OR WHEN IT WAS POPULAR ?
It was back in the 1970s when the now infamous industrial style really took hold . At that point , many warehouses , mills and factories were turned into homes for people to live in and rather than concealing the raw elements such as the rough bricks , exposed metals and pipework , Interiors Designers decided to embrace them . People loved this new honest , authentic look with its clean lines and open spaces , and 50 years on it remains as popular as ever . In today ’ s busy , frantic world , this pared back , simplistic and unfussy style provides a much-needed calm feel to our homes , something we all welcome at the end of a hectic day . Searches for ‘ Industrial Décor ’ have doubled in the past 5 years alone , proving the look is certainly standing the test of time – another feature which makes it so appealing .
3 . WERE THERE ANY FOUNDING FIGURES OF THE STYLE ?
Although it ’ s very difficult to pinpoint , many people often consider the first industrial designer to be architect Peter Behrens , who was noted for his influential role in the development of modern architecture in Germany . Beginning in 1907 , Behrens was the artistic adviser for AEG , for which he designed not only industrial buildings but also small electrical appliances .
Another influential figure is considered to be Albert Kahn . He led a change in industrial design that brought factories , warehouses , and industrial spaces more in line with what we know them to be today . In the earlier days of manufacturing , different operations were often housed in different buildings . Kahn called for more efficiency and used new building materials to create massive structures that could house all operations under one roof .
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