Lofts: A Milestone in Contemporary Design

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Lofts: a milestone in design

Whilst lofts are trendy now and can be found in practically any city, the origins of the loft go back in history. Originally, in the 1960’s, they were occupied by struggling artists who needed big spaces to paint canvases and such.

You could say that the loft is the origin of living-working spaces, as well as the open planned space which is so popular today.

What is a loft?

A loft is stylized by its origin in converted factories and warehouses. Therefore its character can include the following;

Large windows; due to a lack of electric lighting, 19^th century factories featured huge window in order to let as much daylight in as possible.

“Unfinished” style; many conversions include exposed walls, air conditioning ducts and fire sprinkler lines, illustrating their industrial history.

High ceilings; lofts tend to have high ceilings; 10 feet or higher.

Open plan space; one of the favourite features of a loft is its space and the diverse planning it allows for. Usually a loft will have at least 1,600 square feet, plenty of room for custom design.

19^th century materials; use of authentic 19^th century materials, such as concrete or hardwood floors, tin ceilings, and brick or thick plaster wall, is common.

Lofts today

From its roots in Manhattan, New York, all the way across the seas to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the loft apartment can be seen transforming dilapidated structures.

A creation of Shift Architecture Urbanism, a three levelled loft is connected by an oversized closet. Brick walls, concrete surfaces and huge windows present the raw characteristics of a contemporary loft.

With such flexibility, the loft allows for experimentation of new interior design ideas. One such idea comes from Smoothcore Architects in Paris, who have created a fine balance between minimalism and functionality. A floating staircase also functions as storage space, to keep the space simple and uncluttered.

One such idea comes from Smoothcore Architects in Paris, who have created a fine balance between minimalism and functionality. A floating staircase also functions as storage space, to keep the space simple and uncluttered.

Staying true to the roots of the loft, Westbeth Artists Housing, converted from a Bell telephone laboratory in 1970, offers space and cultural activities to artists in New York to this day.

The loft has had, and continues to have, a tremendous impact on the living spaces we occupy, as well as the features and characteristics that fill them.