It is not an easy thing to be able to create a signature commercial architecture that is an icon in every sense of the word. Certain things need to be attended to when going through the process of creating the building that a good architect or interior designer involved in such a building should be aware of. Nevertheless, if the process is done right, handsome rewards lie in wait for the developer who is interested in creating a signature commercial building.

Creating Signature Commercial Architecture

Looking at some examples of iconic and successful commercial architecture around the world will reveal certain trends that a developer will do well to take into account. For one, the FORM of the building is always a powerful driving force towards the success of a commercial building. Developers around the world who have succeeded in creating a great market for their built products do maximize on this. At times it may seem that such designs are for the opulent and well endowed. However the economic potential of a building icon goes beyond impacting just the immediate communities but goes towards creating a genuine market for the building from even international clientele.

the Burj al Arab Hotel is a fine piece of commercial architecture

One needs to take a look at simple built icons around the world that have managed to achieve this feat and attained status as successful famous buildings of all time. Looking at the state of real estate in countries like Dubai and Qatar reveals major investments into building quality commercial real estate that is largely defined by extremely compelling forms and sheer scale of building.

Examples of cities which have thrived through commercial architecture

As a result of having a high concentration of such urban developments, Dubai has succeeded in attracting lots of the world’s elite to this part of the world to be their playground, where their investments into real estate and tourism is a major income earner to their economy. People are attracted to the city’s many facilities but largely come to experience firsthand the wonders of the built environment. This marks success in their aspiration to use commercial architecture as a tool for generating revenue for their economy.

The forms of various buildings worldwide are what define them as icons, especially when their architects have succeeded in making them unique. Looking at buildings such as Burj al Arab, the hotel in the sea, one cannot help but remember its striking sail like form standing in the midst of an artificial island on the shores of the Arabian Sea. One may question the sheer opulence that went into this commercial architecture, ranging from custom made interior design, to the elaborate and extremely expensive concrete and steel structure that makes the building what it is today. One may even wonder about the largest tensile curtain wall that envelops its atrium, and allows its interiors to remain airconditioned.

Justifying such expense to a project is difficult in terms of function and cost. However, every argument against this building fades into oblivion when compared with the fact that this brilliant piece of commercial architecture generates incredible revenues for its owners, as it attracts tourists from all over the globe to it, interested in sampling its delightful attractions. People line up and pay to get in to be given a simple tour of this magnificent hotel building. Thus, the icon has more than paid for itself with regard to its sheer complexity and beauty.

Revenue generation from commercial architecture cannot be taken for granted, and an iconic building has greater potential to generate better revenues.

Buildings with beautiful forms inevitably become the signature buildings for their communities. They become synonymous with their identity as a place, and can be thought of as the logo for that location. All too often these buildings tend to be commercial architecture that is geared at revenue generation in one way or another. At times they may be civic buildings with compelling forms such as the Bundestag Building or the Tanzania Parliament building in Dodoma. However most of the times, such iconic buildings are driven by strong commercial concerns, which drive them to be created in this manner.

The Sydney Opera House by Jon Utzon is such an example of commercial architecture that has become such an icon. Through its powerful concrete shell structure forms, the building calls all to attention. Indeed one cannot help but acknowledge the design genius that went into its design and construction. Another example of powerful commercial architecture in recent times is in the construction of skyscrapers that serve as mixed-use developments accommodating multiple functions within their extensive floor space.

Probably the current best known example of commercial architecture is the Burj al Khalifa building, which is the tallest building in the world. This incredible concrete structure has broken multiple records in its design and construction, and is a landmark for the city of Dubai. Standing at over 800 meters in height, this piece of commercial architecture is already a star attraction in Dubai as a major feat of man’s creative prowess. We can only but imagine the amount of revenue the building will generate over its lifetime from those who want to experience a piece of living in the sky.

Thus there are plenty of justifications to creating buildings with a view towards maximizing their revenue generation potential. This is truly the mark of great commercial architecture.