The recognition that a comfortable work environment is essential to increase productivity and staff satisfaction is the starting point for thinking about industrial architecture - especially in warehouses and industries, places where many employees spend hours on their feet.
Nowadays, investment in industrial architecture is the best alternative to ensure a healthy working environment. Spacious, comfortable workstations, with adequate natural lighting and ventilation are fundamental to increase productivity and ensure the comfort and concentration of employees during working hours.
A poorly designed space, on the other hand, can have negative effects on productivity, health, and employee satisfaction. Poorly lit, noisy, disorganized, or uncomfortable spaces can be stressful and tiring for those who work there
So, see below how industrial architecture positively influences the work environment and check out tips to implement it effectively in your company!
What is industrial architecture?
Industrial architecture is the branch of architecture that focuses on creating designs for industrial buildings and spaces, such as factories, warehouses, production facilities, and other facilities related to the production and manufacturing of goods.
It is responsible for designing spaces that are functional, efficient, and safe for industrial activities and employees, considering the specific needs of each type of service.
The style emerged as a result of the Industrial Revolution and the process of mechanization and industrialization that took place in the mid-18th century.
How does industrial architecture influence the work environment?
Over time, the style linked to industrial architecture has developed and today aims to create a pleasant working environment in this context in order to increase motivation and creativity, reduce stress, fatigue, and other work-related health problems.
After all, the way a space is designed can influence how employees feel and how they perform their daily duties. Thus, a well-designed work environment improves quality of life at work and reduces absenteeism.
Some examples of how architecture influences the work environment are listed below. Check them out!
Layout and flow
The layout of the physical space can affect how employees interact with each other and perform their tasks.A well-designed layout can promote collaboration, effective communication, and efficiency.
Light and Color
The right lighting and the right color choices improve employee moods and increase productivity. Natural light is particularly beneficial, as it can help regulate employees' biological clock and improve overall well-being.
Comfort
Physical comfort involves adequate temperature, controlled noise levels, and ergonomic furniture. All of this affects employee productivity and satisfaction.
Health and Safety
The architecture must also consider the health and safety of the employees.Some examples are adequate ventilation, emergency lighting, signalized escape routes, and accessibility for people with disabilities.
It is important that companies consider the impact of the physical work environment on employee health and well-being, and create spaces that encourage productivity, creativity, and collaboration while providing a healthy and enjoyable work environment.
What should be considered in industrial architecture?
Industrial architecture must consider several factors to ensure the efficiency and functionality of the space. For the project to be carried out in the best possible way, it is important to observe some points. Check them out!
Number of collaborators
The number of employees directly affects the size of the space required to accommodate them properly.
Workflows
It is important to analyse how employees work and interact with each other to create an environment that supports these activities.
Circulation
It is also important to ensure that employees and equipment can move easily through the production space, avoiding congestion and delays in the production process
Lighting and ventilation
The industrial architecture must provide adequate lighting and efficient ventilation to ensure the safety and well-being of employees, as well as the quality of the final product.
Some of the best solutions to favor natural lighting and ventilation is to invest in louvered and industrial blinds for ventilation, and linear domes for lighting.
The MB Group works with both solutions, and the main advantages of using them for employees are listed below.
- The industrial blinds offer natural ventilation inside the environment, generating a feeling of freshness in the shed and bringing immediate thermal comfort to employees.
- The use of a louver allows the air to be constantly renewed, improving air quality and reducing the chances of spreading a number of respiratory diseases. The lantern is constantly used in metalworking industries and industries with a lot of dust and waste, because they need a higher air renewal rate.
- The combined use of venetian blinds and louvering enhances the exit of warm air from the room and the number of air exchanges, balancing the inside and outside temperature.
- Domus are widely used in distribution centers and aim to favor the entry of natural light in the factory, making the warehouse visually comfortable with the incidence of natural light - even on rainy days. In this way, the environment becomes more pleasant, favoring increased employee productivity. In addition, the domes repel up to 99% of ultraviolet rays.
It is worth mentioning that the MB Group's solutions presented here do not depend on energy sources to function, which contributes to the company's savings.
Accessibility
Environments must be designed to accommodate all employees, including those with special mobility needs or disabilities (visual or hearing).
These are just some of the factors that must be considered in industrial architecture. It is important that the project is developed with managers and employees of the company, to ensure that all needs are met and that the space is functional and efficient.
Which NRs are important for industrial architecture?
It is important to evaluate all the regulatory norms (NRs) that establish technical criteria and parameters for the performance of each activity. Some of the NRs that deserve attention are listed below. Check them out!
NR-17 - Ergonomics
It regulates ergonomics-related working conditions, including the arrangement and design of furniture and other equipment, as well as lighting and temperature control.
NR-24 - Sanitary and Comfort Conditions in the Workplaces
This norm regulates the sanitary and comfort conditions of the work environments, such as ventilation, lighting, acoustics, cleanliness, and conservation.
NR-26 - Safety Signaling
Regulates safety signs in work environments, including emergency exit signs, safety equipment, among others.
NBR 9050 - Accessibility to Buildings, Furniture, Urban Spaces and Equipment
This norm regulates the accessibility conditions for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, including ramps, handrails, tactile signs, among others.
As we have seen throughout this content, the industrial architectural project must be designed to meet the specific needs of the company and its employees, creating a healthy, safe, and productive work environment..
It is important for companies to be aware of the impact of the physical environment on employee well-being and to work with architects and interior designers to create workspaces that encourage productivity and the health (mental and physical) of all the teams working there.
Thus, industrial architecture has a significant influence on the work environment, as it is responsible for creating a physical space that can directly affect the health, well-being and productivity of employees.
We commented on ventilation and natural lighting as important items within the industrial architecture. To learn more about the subject, download the free e-book we prepared right now and understand in detail these solutions!
