Surf Culture Meets Urban Design. In 2011, the Quiksilver Pro New York surfing competition brought more than just waves to Long Beach, New York. It also introduced a bold experiment in shipping container architecture. RE:BE Design, led by production designer Stefan Beese, created striking pop-up shipping container structures. These temporary buildings transformed the beachfront into a blend of modern urbanism and coastal aesthetics. Beese moved away from traditional white tents and Tiki-style decor. Instead, his vision brought the raw edge of the New York City streetscape to the serenity of the beach. He collaborated with general contractor Kosmo Studios, 3D designer Seyavash Zohoorie, and graphic designers Daniela Nelke and Jensen Killen.
Design Concept: Fusing Urbanism with Nature
Beese aimed to merge the industrial look of cargo containers with the calm of Long Beach. This created a unique architectural language. He explained, the concept was to “bring the urban landscape everyone associates with a city like NY out to the beach, while blending it with modern natural elements.”
The team reimagined the role of temporary event structures. The pop-up shipping container structures served as judging towers, athlete lounges, VIP cabanas, and brand pavilions. Each structure offered a functional and architectural solution. They shaped the experience and highlighted RE:BE Design’s shipping container projects.
Interior Strategy: Balancing Boldness with Tranquility
The exteriors embraced rugged industrialism. Inside, Beese softened the steel with natural textures. The team used wood flooring, rattan mats, and driftwood to create a Zen-like atmosphere. Large wave prints and rock gardens reinforced the beach vibe.
This mix grounded the structures in their environment. It balanced city grit with coastal calm. It also aligned with sustainable beach event architecture by using repurposed, eco-conscious materials.
Sustainability Features: Building Responsibly
A major feature was the use of recycled shipping containers. These modular units reduced the need for new materials. They allowed for fast on-site assembly and disassembly—ideal for temporary event structures using containers.
Beese’s team reduced waste by designing multipurpose spaces. Each unit doubled as storage and event infrastructure. This efficient use cut environmental impact and showcased modular design’s potential for large, temporary events.
Event Impact: Redefining the Surf Venue
The Quiksilver Pro New York 2011 drew thousands of spectators and global media. The architecture supported the event and became part of its identity. The bold use of shipping container architecture on a beach stood out. It showed how temporary structures can shape space, tell stories, and connect to culture.
Beese solved logistical and design challenges. His layout provided beach access, organized crowds, and created VIP experiences. Elevated decks offered panoramic views. Defined zones improved flow and clarity.
Final Insights: Legacy in Temporary Architecture
Stefan Beese’s work at the Quiksilver Pro New York 2011 proves that pop-up shipping container structures can redefine event architecture. These designs blurred lines between city and sea, function and narrative. They combined durability, modularity, and visual power while respecting the setting.
The success of this project highlights the ongoing relevance of RE:BE Design shipping container projects in sustainable and temporary architecture. It also shows the value of adaptive reuse in short-term builds—especially in coastal or urban areas.
Beese elevated a surf event into a showcase of shipping container architecture. He demonstrated how temporary design can leave a lasting impact.
Courtesy Of: Stephen Beese
