Industrial Meaning
Industrial Definition & Usage
Relating to the production of goods and services in factories, workshops, and other industrial settings.
Examples
- "The industrial revolution radically changed how products were made."
- "Industrial production has increased significantly in the past decade."
- "Many industrial cities are located near major rivers for easy transportation of goods."
- "He works in an industrial factory that makes automobile parts."
- "The country is investing heavily in its industrial sector to boost the economy."
Relating to a style characterized by exposed metal, brick, and utilitarian designs typically associated with factory buildings.
Examples
- "The restaurant was decorated in an industrial style with exposed pipes and steel beams."
- "The loft apartment had an industrial feel, with concrete floors and large windows."
- "The furniture in the office has a sleek, industrial design with minimalist features."
- "Industrial lighting is often used in modern interior designs to create a bold, urban atmosphere."
- "Her art piece was inspired by industrial architecture, with a focus on mechanical elements."
Describing tools, machines, or processes that are used for large-scale production or that are designed for heavy-duty tasks.
Examples
- "The company uses industrial machinery to produce thousands of units per day."
- "She bought an industrial-grade mixer to handle the large volumes of dough."
- "The industrial kitchen was equipped with stainless steel appliances and commercial ovens."
- "The factory upgraded its industrial equipment to increase productivity."
- "Industrial air conditioning systems are used to cool large office buildings and warehouses."
Cultural Context
The term 'industrial' has its roots in the industrial revolution, a period that started in the late 18th century, bringing mass production, urbanization, and technological advances in machinery and manufacturing. It transformed economies and societies, particularly in Europe and North America, making industrial practices synonymous with large-scale production and factory systems.
The Heart of Industry
Story
The Heart of Industry
It was a cold, gray morning when Sarah stepped into the industrial district, a sprawling area of factories, warehouses, and massive machinery. She had been hired as an architect for a new project, one that would transform an old industrial site into a modern business complex. Walking through the site, she couldn't help but marvel at the industrial beauty of the place—exposed brick, towering steel beams, and the hum of machinery in the distance. As she toured the old factory, she thought about the history of industrial work. The machines that once churned out hundreds of parts per hour now stood silent, relics of a past era. But even in their silence, they spoke of efficiency, scale, and the raw power that had once driven the economy of the city. Her next stop was the design studio, where her team had been working on the plans. They had taken inspiration from the industrial style—raw, functional, and modern. The new building would incorporate large windows, steel frameworks, and even some of the old machinery as part of the décor. “Sarah, I think we’ve captured the essence of the place,” her colleague Jack said, showing her the design. The sketches showed wide open spaces with industrial lights hanging from the ceiling, large concrete columns supporting the structure, and polished floors that reflected the gleam of stainless steel. As they discussed the project, Sarah thought about how the term 'industrial' had evolved. It no longer just referred to factories and machines but had grown to symbolize an entire aesthetic, one that celebrated the raw, mechanical, and functional beauty of industrial spaces. Later, Sarah sat in a modern café, sipping her coffee. Outside the window, the city’s skyline loomed with its blend of industrial and modern design. She realized that, in many ways, industry had shaped her city—physically, economically, and culturally. The industrial revolution had brought wealth, but it had also brought challenges. Today, the industrial aesthetic was a symbol of urban resilience, of adapting to change, and of blending the old with the new.
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