London-based YN Studio embraces the elegance of the modern-industrial building aesthetic in a new project, located in Gillett Square in London. Operated by Hackney Co-operative Developments, a company that describes itself as a "not-for-profit community interest company," the Bradbury Works project combines retail "pods" on the ground floor and office spaces on the upper floors. Existing shops in the building were retained and renovated
One of the most captivating visual features of the modern-industrial building is the facade. YN Studio founder Alex Smith shares that "[the design team] was really interested in a form of architectural expression that would allow the original Victorian brick terrace to read almost as a ghost within a lightweight wrap." The result is reminiscent of an X-Ray.
Image Credit: French + Tye
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Modern-industrial Building Aesthetic
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new materials and techniques for lightweight wraps that create visual interest and showcase the original structure.
- Retail 'pods' and Office Spaces Combination
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create hybrid spaces that combine retail and office functions, optimizing the use of limited space.
- Preservation and Renovation of Existing Buildings
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop sustainable and cost-effective methods for retaining and renovating historical structures to blend with modern architectural aesthetics.
Where This Applies
- Architecture and Design
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce new design concepts that blend traditional and contemporary architectural styles.
- Materials Engineering
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Invent new lightweight materials that can be used as wraps or facades in modern-industrial buildings.
- Real Estate Development
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the potential of mixed-use spaces that combine retail and office functions to maximize profitability and utilization.
