Even as we move further into the information age, the industrial past still holds a wealth of opportunities for revitalization. Many forgotten factories and warehouses are being transformed into lively office spaces brimming with creativity and innovation.
These once-abandoned relics, often facing the severities of age and decay, are now receiving a second lease of life. Who would have thought that an old factory, designed by Jump Studios, would become Google’s co-working space in Madrid?
Such transformations illustrate the potential of industrial spaces to foster community and collaboration, proving that these environments can thrive in a modern context.
Their large spans, high ceilings, and abundance of natural light make industrial structures ideal for modern workplaces. While aging structures present certain challenges, industrial office design also provides a chance for thoughtful transformation.
By integrating versatile materials like glass, we can effectively merge modern aesthetics with the authentic character of the past. The ability of glass to adapt strikes a perfect balance between openness and privacy, making it an excellent choice for different functional areas in an industrial-style office setting.
Here are some thoughtful ways to incorporate glass while keeping the spirit of the industrial office design alive:
The reception sets the tone for any office. To maintain an industrial edge, greet visitors with a striking bright lacquered glass reception backdrop. SGG Colormaxx range of lacquered glass can be an excellent choice for feature walls and reception counters, offering the much needed splash of colour to catch the eye.
Glass partitions create a bright, open and spacious look. Tinted or frosted glass offers the right amount of privacy while complementing the rugged charm of the space.
Striking Lacquered Glass Backdrop for Reception
Industrial spaces often have open floor plans, and creating zones without disrupting the flow is crucial. Glass partitions provide the perfect balance between separating work areas and maintaining a sense of connection. Read more about optimising office spaces - seven glass options for partitions.
For a cohesive look, use a neutral colour palette as the foundation, complemented by bursts of vibrant lacquered glass. Lacquered glass partitions not only enhance style but also function as writable surfaces, making them an ideal choice for flexible, movable dividers in modern workspaces.
Consider using tinted glass for areas where privacy is required, while clear toughened glass keeps things connected and transparent. Read more about Tinted Glass for Home Interiors.
For enhanced flexibility, opt for switchable glass which imparts a clear appeal and offers complete opacity at the click of a button.
Saint-Gobain’s wide range of glass options allows numerous possibilities to ensure a balanced indoor environment.
Lacquered Glass partitions, writing boards and cabin walls
Conference rooms often require privacy without feeling disconnected from the rest of the office. In an industrial-themed setting, open and interconnected spaces are often favoured, but the need for privacy in areas like meeting rooms and conference zones remains essential.
Switchable glass provides an innovative solution, allowing to control transparency at the touch of a button. When activated, it becomes opaque, ensuring confidentiality during meetings while returning to clear glass when visual connection is desired.
For an added splash of color, integrating lacquered glass panels into conference room partitions can provide a stylish touch of colour while serving as a writing surface, making the space both functional and visually appealing.
SGG Colormaxx DURA, toughened lacquered glass available in a spectrum of hues, can truly enliven the industrial style office interiors.
Switchable glass for office cabins and conference rooms
Cafeterias should be vibrant and inviting, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle of the work environment.
Lacquered glass and UV printing technology can transform the serving counter backdrop into a dynamic focal point. Complement this with lacquered glass panels for the counter front and colorful tabletops to enhance the cheerful ambiance.
Additionally, incorporating glass writing boards in breakout areas promotes dynamic engagement among employees. A quick scribble session over coffee can spark creativity and collaboration, making the cafeteria the true heart of the community within the any office space design.
Striking Lacquered Glass Backdrop and display counter for cafeteria
Modern and minimal design meets practicality in a rustic and industrial-themed washroom, creating an intriguing atmosphere. With easy maintenance and hygiene-friendly properties, glass shines in these spaces. Oversized, shatterproof mirrors become striking focal points, enhancing the sense of openness.
Consider breaking conventions by using various shades of a single colour to add depth and character. By incorporating vibrant hues from SGG Colormaxx series of lacquered glass, you can infuse a playful pop of colour into your design, transforming a utilitarian space into an extraordinary experience.
Rustic office bathroom with lacquered glass for cabinets and toilet cubicles
Designing an industrial office space is all about striking the right balance between old and new.
Reusing existing buildings not only breathes new life into forgotten structures but also consumes fewer resources, resulting in a significantly reduced life cycle environmental impact.
With glass, you can achieve the best of both worlds—its versatility allows for modern, streamlined designs while preserving the raw beauty of the industrial aesthetic. Read more glass - the hero of modern interiors.
Whether used for partitions, furniture, or decorative elements, glass is the ideal material to infuse light, color, and flexibility into your office environment.
This is your cue to transform old spaces into vibrant new ones! Let Saint-Gobain help you create a workspace that harmonizes history with contemporary design, making your vision a reality.
What is industrial office design?
Industrial office design embraces raw, rustic elements like exposed walls, ductwork, and unfinished materials, often paired with high ceilings and open spaces. This style seamlessly blends functionality with a rugged, minimalist aesthetic, creating a modern, edgy vibe that's both practical and visually striking.
What are the key elements of industrial office design?
Common features of an industrial office design include exposed ceilings, raw materials, open-plan layouts, vintage or repurposed furniture, pop of colours, rugged concrete floors, and large windows and skylights. Read about expert tips to choose the perfect glass for skylights.
How can I make my office look more industrial?
To achieve an industrial look in an office, embrace the raw beauty of exposed structures, cabling, and ductwork. Enhance the rugged backdrop with pops of colour using lacquered glass accents for walls, partitions, and furniture. Opt for toughened glass in slim space dividers to maintain a sense of openness and visual connection while adding a sleek, modern touch.
How can I incorporate natural light in an industrial office?
Maximizing windows, and skylights, and using high-performance glass can help bring more natural light into an industrial-themed office space while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Laminated and/or insulated glass partitions can further allow a seamless flow of light between spaces while maintaining acoustic insulation, thereby enhancing employee productivity and well-being.
Shivani, an architect based in Pune, seamlessly balances multiple creative pursuits with over four years of experience in architectural practice. A graduate of VIT’s PVPCOA, her professional journey began with Kamat and Rozario Architecture in Bangalore, where she gained exposure to interior and architectural projects of varied scales. Read More
