Metal is one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring materials. It really has made a resounding impact on the world of commercial design. It’s versatility, strength and cosmetic appeal make it an indispensable component of contemporary architecture and interior design. From soaring skyscrapers to cosy coffee shops, metal plays a pivotal role in shaping the modern commercial landscape.
At home here in lovely Leeds, we have a wonderful Marmite-like building…..you will either love it or hate it. Broadcasting Place is 70 metres high and because it rusts over time it is always changing colour. In 2010 it even won the title of the Best Tall Building in the World!
Another beautiful structure in Leeds is Victoria Gate. It really is a landmark building that attracts many visitors with it’s intricate pattern of over 300,000 individual drawn and located bricks. This eye catching creation houses shops, car park and some of the most popular restaurants in Leeds city centre. It definitely gives the WOW factor!
Over time we have seen some incredible metal buildings around the world. Some of the most iconic are the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA, The Chrysler Building in New York and The Eiffel Tower in romantic Paris. The Eiffel Tower was built over the course of two years, 18,000 pieces of wrought iron and 2.5 million rivets.
Recent metal interior design trends heavily feature these striking rustic metal wall panels. The various finishes have unique colours, they bring a real richness and add such character to spaces. Here we see the metallic bathroom cladding, it is currently extremely popular. It is the perfect way to make a statement with the rusty, aged look transforming a plain bathroom into a stylish one. These textured copper wall panels give a high end finish with a distressed edge creating the most stunning finish.
Metal extends its influence beyond building exteriors into commercial interiors. The use of metal in bars and restaurants adds style into an industrial ambiance, differing from the earlier trend of polished metals which convey a sense of opulence and cleanliness.
Metal is commonly used in private residential design for various reasons. It’s usage can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Whilst offering the most obvious pro’s of durability, fire resistance and low maintenance, most metals are highly recyclable making them a sustainable choice. They also have excellent thermal conductivity which can be advantageous in energy efficient design.
In the ever evolving world of commercial design, metal remains an enduring material, continuously contributing to the creation of distinctive, functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces. As the boundaries of architecture and design are pushed further, metal will continue to be a cornerstone, helping to transform ideas into reality and dreams into remarkable structures. As the saying goes, the purpose of a building is defined by it’s interiors, not it’s exterior; similarly, the purpose of any commercial space is characterised by it’s interior design.
As you can see, metal can be used in many different ways. We are excited to see where the future of metal takes us!
Take a look at our other blogs to be inspired!