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Public Buildings

Modular Container Public Spaces

Shipping containers are redefining public architecture, offering innovative solutions for community spaces that prioritize sustainability and adaptability. These modular structures are being transformed into libraries, community centers, and cultural hubs, demonstrating the potential of repurposed materials in modern design.​

Repurposed containers serve various functions, from temporary classrooms and exhibition spaces to mobile clinics and emergency shelters. Their modular nature allows for rapid deployment and customization, catering to the evolving needs of communities.​

The use of shipping containers in public architecture not only reduces construction waste but also promotes energy efficiency. Features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation are commonly integrated, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable public infrastructure.​

Explore the examples below to see how modular container architecture is transforming public spaces around the world.​

The New Jerusalem Shipping Container Children's Home. Midrand, South Africa.

The New Jerusalem Shipping Container Children’s Home. Midrand, South Africa.

New Jerusalem Children’s Home Midrand: A Sustainable Shipping Container Children’s Home in South Africa. The New Jerusalem Children’s Home Midrand stands as a powerful example of how innovative architecture can support vulnerable communities. Located in Gauteng, South Africa, this shipping container children’s home provides a nurturing, eco-friendly environment for abandoned, abused, orphaned, and HIV-positive children. With its use of repurposed materials and thoughtful design, the home has become a pioneering model of sustainable shipping container homes for orphans and one of the most innovative orphanage designs South Africa has seen.Read More »The New Jerusalem Shipping Container Children’s Home. Midrand, South Africa.

The Periscope Project: San Diego's Innovative Shipping Container Art Space

The Periscope Project: Innovative Shipping Container Art Space in San Diego

    The Periscope Project: Revolutionary Shipping Container Art Gallery in San Diego Redefines Urban Creative Spaces. In the vibrant East Village district of San Diego, an innovative cargotecture community project has transformed a narrow urban lot into a thriving creative hub. The Periscope Project, completed in 2011 by ENS_Projects, represents a pioneering approach to modular shipping container building design. This multidisciplinary cooperative space provides essential amenities for artists, designers, students, and activists. Furthermore, it demonstrates how shipping container art spaces can create sustainable, accessible environments for creative collaboration.

    Read More »The Periscope Project: Innovative Shipping Container Art Space in San Diego

    eCORRE Complex: Eco-Friendly Shipping Container Environmental Center in Long Beach

      The eCORRE Complex, or Environmental Center of Regenerative Research & Education, is a bold conceptual proposal by Los Angeles design group APHIDoIDEA. Submitted as a finalist in the AIA-LA / USGBC Emerging Talent Design Competition, the project reimagines eco-friendly container architecture by using repurposed shipping containers as the foundation for an environmentally conscious public center in Long Beach, California. Drawing inspiration from the nearby Port of Long Beach—one of the world’s busiest—eCORRE transforms industrial waste into a modular building system. The plan features around 65 reused ISO containers, arranged to support environmental education, community learning, and sustainable living.
      Read More »eCORRE Complex: Eco-Friendly Shipping Container Environmental Center in Long Beach

      Salam Centre Khartoum: Shipping Container Hospital & Medical Compound

      Salam Center: Sustainable Shipping Container Medical Compound in Khartoum, Sudan

        Innovative Shipping Container Hospital Housing: The Salam Centre Medical Staff Compound in Sudan. In the heart of Khartoum, Sudan, stands a remarkable example of sustainable architecture and resourceful design—the Medical Staff Accommodation Compound of the Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery. Completed in 2009 by TAMassociati and Emergency’s building division, this pioneering project transformed discarded shipping containers into comfortable living quarters for international medical staff, demonstrating the extraordinary potential of container repurposing in challenging environments.

        Read More »Salam Center: Sustainable Shipping Container Medical Compound in Khartoum, Sudan

        The East LA Four Square Church Parsonage - Shipping Container Structure by Demaria Design

        Looking Back: How Peter DeMaria’s Shipping Container Architecture Transformed East LA

          When we examine groundbreaking achievements in sustainable architecture over the past decade, Peter DeMaria’s shipping container architecture project for the East LA Four Square Church Parsonage stands as an undeniable milestone. This innovative structure, which earned a well-deserved 2009 American Institute of Architects Design Award, continues to influence container home design and demonstrate the lasting potential of adaptive reuse in architectural practice.Read More »Looking Back: How Peter DeMaria’s Shipping Container Architecture Transformed East LA

          Platoon Kunsthalle: Seoul’s Modern Shipping Container Art Center

            A striking example of shipping container architecture, Platoon Kunsthalle serves as an exciting and inspiring new exhibit hall and art center in Seoul, Korea. Built from standard shipping containers by Graft Lab Architects, the Kunsthalle, provides a gorgeous modern space where new ideas thrive and creativity is let loose. The building opened last April and houses art studio space, exhibit areas, a restaurant and bar, as well as lots of open space to gather.Read More »Platoon Kunsthalle: Seoul’s Modern Shipping Container Art Center

            Platoon Kunsthalle GwangJu Shipping Container Art Center Stacks Up in Korea

              In 2009, Inhabitat brought exciting news of a beautiful new shipping container art center opening up in Seoul, and we’ve just discovered that it has a sister structure in Gwangju that rivals both its cool factor and creative contribution to the Korean community. Called Platoon Kunsthalle Gwangju, the newer building is made up of dark grey and orange cargo containers, and houses emerging art and subculture exhibitions as well as an event hall and bar. Click through our gallery to peek inside this intriguing space.Read More »Platoon Kunsthalle GwangJu Shipping Container Art Center Stacks Up in Korea