container architecture at NRW forum düsseldorf

container architecture exhibition NRW-forum düsseldorf, germany on now through september 4, 2011

‘container architecture’ at the NRW-forum düsseldorf in düsseldorf, germany ‘self contained’ by michael johansson located in sweden, 2010 image © NRW-Forum düsseldorf

the exhibition ‘container architecture’ at the NRW-forum düsseldorf focuses on the 2.44 meter wide, 2.59 meter high and 6.06 or 12.192 meter module synonymous with world trade and prosperous times. with as many as thirty million shipping containers found on international waters at any one moment, this growing surplus has led to an increased fascination with their application outside of globalized trade.

model of ‘freitag store’ building by spillmann echsle located in zurich, switzerland image © NRW-forum düsseldorf

architects, artists and designers were invited to submit their proposed or realized designs. the result is an exhibition which displays photographs as well as large scale models of various projects which range in program and application. featured structures include dwellings, student residences, retail, bridges and sculptures. also on show are examples of emergency and welfare housing which are of current social relevance for victims of natural disasters. inexpensive and easily transported, this adaptable construction strategy has intrigued many architects and is widely suggested to become the prevalent design approach of the future.

model of ‘freitag store’ piercing through the ceiling image © NRW-forum düsseldorf model of ‘conhouse 2+’ by jure kotnik image © NRW-forum düsseldorf