Is there a major difference between commercial and industrial architecture? Dig deeper into the different types of architecture here.

In part one, we began our discussion about how impactful architecture is and explored residential architecture design. In today’s post, we’ll venture into more of the public spaces of commercial and industrial architecture.

Architecture is architecture, right? Not at Carol Vaughan + Architecture! We elevate home and building design to tell a story of personal style that relates to the home or communicate a place of belonging and community in our commercial projects. Learn more about the different types of architecture below.

When a Building is More Than Just a Building

There are many buildings that line our cities that are looked over and passed by, but then there are buildings that are quite impressive and leave you standing in wonder. The latter are the buildings architects hope to create as they evoke a sense of awe as they better tell the story of the community they’re in. Find out below how commercial architecture can be both stunning and functional.

Public or Commercial Architect

This field of architecture ventures into public spaces such as businesses and government buildings. Architects will work on projects ranging from shopping developments, libraries, train stations, and office buildings.

These entities not only serve a functional purpose but with a commercial architect’s eye, they can become a beautiful facility that is a beckon to the community. It creates a landmark destination and it can also express ideas.

Take our government buildings in the US — they’re a neo-classical design that embody ancient Greece — this expresses and communicates democracy just in the building style!

Elements commercial or public architecture embody:

Both residential and commercial architecture are similar in their need to be structurally sound and have a unique aesthetic.

Building design needs – Where residential homes are where people live, commercial building design differs because there are different components that can directly impact their design.

Meeting rooms
Storage rooms
Offices
Utility rooms

Other commercial buildings include schools, police stations, and hospitals — each which require a different design to accommodate the needs of that specific building. Things such as alternate electrical and plumbing.

Alternative building elements – Commercial buildings often house a good amount of people compared to a home that only houses a certain amount of family members at one time, so a commercial building has alternative elements to support a large cohort of people.

Large bathrooms
Elevators
Escalators
Gyms
Restaurants
Cafeterias
Parking garages
Industrial kitchens
Conference rooms

Industrial Architect

Industrial architects create very complex designs, which is where they differ from commercial and public architects. Many times civil engineers and industrial architects partner for these types of projects because they are extremely technical, so safety is a primary focus. Together they build and design features such as hydroelectric dams and bridges — things that need a civil engineer’s expertise and an architect’s design eye.

Green Design

Green architecture is becoming a necessity for building design not only because we are running out of space and need to find solutions to build up, but because of the environmental concerns we face.

Green design tackles just that by constructing environmentally-friendly homes and buildings that are more sustainable than traditional builds. They incorporate solar panels, radiant heat, and many other features that help reduce energy costs and better support our environment.

Interior Design

While interior design isn’t a type of architecture, the two are closely connected. Some architects are also interior designers to offer their clients a more convenient option. Referring back to Frank Lloyd Wright, he was both an architect and interior designer that viewed the space as one united entity and created homes and buildings with interiors and exteriors that seamlessly flowed as one.

There are various forms of architecture and design practiced, but they all work towards one outcome — create an environment that is both visually captivating, safe, and comfortable for the inhabitants it houses.

Where does Carol Vaughan Designs + Architecture fall?

With an architecture and design career spanning two decades, we’re able to offer our clients our expertise in commercial, residential, and light industrial architecture. We also offer interior design to our clients to bring cohesion to our designs.

The Different Types of Architecture (Part Two)