What is Urban Modern architecture? How "loft living" started in NYC and swept across the world
‘Urban modern’ sounds like it could describe any city in the world. But in fact, the Urban Modern architecture style is a very specific vibe, inspired by trendy artists lofts in 1960s New York. Urban lofts started as low-income housing with poor conditions, and have transformed into some of the most sought-after real estate in the world.
Let’s take a look at urban modern architecture... and how lofts became so damn cool.
What is Urban Modern architecture?
Urban Modern architecture is a perfect hybrid of industrial and minimalist living — executed in an undeniably contemporary way. Basically: think New York. More specifically, the types of New York apartments that home rich and stylish New Yorkers in films and TV.
They’re usually spacious and airy, with big windows, columns, and high ceilings. Colors are kept to a minimum, furnishings are sleek and streamlined, and there's almost always some exposed brick or polished concrete.
Urban Modern architecture is often open-plan, the kitchen flowing into the dining and lounging areas. Bedrooms may have no doors, or are in a loft above the living space.
What is a loft in architecture terms?
By definition, a loft is an unpartitioned floor over a factory, warehouse, or other commercial or industrial space. So a loft apartment is that space made residential.
Through the second half of the 20th century, as more and more people began living in converted lofts, this space-saving necessity gave way to the Urban Modern architecture style. While new builds aren’t technically ‘true lofts’, loft living has been on trend for years.
The history of "loft living" in New York
Loft living began in earnest in 1960’s NYC. SoHo — now, of course, a pricey and in-demand neighborhood of Manhattan — was dirty and dangerous, trying to find its feet after the industrial activity of the 19th and 20th century. The buildings were all old factories and warehouse spaces, but thanks to zoning changes for a proposed freeway, they could no longer be used as such. Many were abandoned through the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Locals started realizing that the tall buildings with huge windows and open floor plans could actually be quite desirable. Low rents enticed artists to flock to the area and make these old lofts into residential spaces… though they weren’t the sorts of lofts we covet today.
The buildings were still raw, industrial spaces — that meant no fire protection, sanitation, vents, heating, or hot water. After spending a decade fighting to improve living conditions and legalize loft dwellings, industrial spaces were allowed to be rezoned for residential purposes in 1971.
This led to a huge boom in loft living, not just in SoHo but around the world. Developers began realizing they could convert old abandoned warehouses into living spaces, and Urban Modern architecture came to life.
In the last 50 years, once-industrial neighborhoods have been transformed from totally deserted to extremely desirable.
The pros and cons of loft living
Yes, living in a modern loft will make you feel like the protagonist of a New York romcom. But despite the great things about living in a loft, there are also a couple of downsides. Let’s take a look.
Pros
They’re usually spacious with high ceilings — a nice change from cramped city apartments
Big windows mean a lot of natural light (no wonder the artists loved them!)
Open-plan means you can lay out the apartment however you like
They’re almost always in great neighborhoods with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops within walking distance
Lofts are undeniably trendy — think of the cool parties you can host!
Cons
Living in one, shared space makes it hard for multiple people to work from home in quiet or with privacy (something we’re all considering now more than ever!)
Rent is often high
Utility bills are also higher than in newer buildings, thanks to outdated vents, old pipes, and high ceilings
They’re not really suitable for families
Lofts don’t have much built-in storage space
Converted industrial buildings are much less likely to have amenities like a gym and pool compared to new builds
How to get a "loft-like" aesthetic without committing to an actual loft
The loft aesthetic is iconic, but it’s a big commitment too. Never fear, there are some sneaky ways you can embrace the Urban Modern architecture style in your living space, without having to actually move into a loft.
Here are some quick ideas:
Shift to open plan
This might be tricky, but if you’re designing a home or renovating, look into removing walls in your living space. Lean into the open flow of a typical loft, and use furniture and decor to create separate zones. Remember to leave some walls in though, to keep privacy and quiet!
Install interior glass
You could separate rooms or different spaces with interior sliding walls. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors and walls are symbolic of the giant windows typical lofts are known for.
Hang industrial-inspired lighting
True lofts have a lot of exposed steel pipes leftover from their days as an industrial building, and that’s something you can easily channel with your interior decor. Invest in some heavy metal light fixtures to hang from the ceiling to get a similar effect.
Invest in bold art
A lot of an apartment’s aesthetic comes from its decor. If you want to emulate the feelings of loft living, keep it all sleek and modern. Bold, bright art prints, neutral-colored furniture, raw wood, neon signs, eclectic knick knacks and metal finishes are great places to start.
Ask the experts
Think an Urban Modern reimagining of your home is too much to take on? That’s what we’re here for. The Titanium Space team loves a design challenge — there’s nothing too big for us to take on. Book your free consultation today.
