in recent years the built environment has witnessed an exciting new typology emerge in the form of shipping container architecture. offering an affordable and low-cost means of construction, architects and designers have been quick to explore the various applications of cargo units. in 2010 gestalten first published container atlas in response to the boom in projects, and now, in 2020, the architectural guide is back for a second edition, documenting the innovative ways containers have been used in the past decade.
joshua tree residence by whitaker studio: joshua tree, USA
image © whitaker studio, container atlas, gestalten 2020
after the success of the first edition, architect and professor han slawik returns as co-editor, providing an experienced insight on the subject matter. the main body of the book showcases an extensive array of projects with color photographs, simple diagrams and descriptive text. from container offices to off-grid cabins, to the more experimental designs, readers are taken on an inspiring journey through a wide variety of precedents.
joshua tree residence by whitaker studio: joshua tree, USA
image © whitaker studio, container atlas, gestalten 2020
not only does container atlas chronicle an array of examples, the book also serves as a practical manual for professionals and laypeople alike. the initial chapters delve into the realities of building with shipping containers, from construction law and ecological aspects to actual dimensions and physical loads. in this way, the publication establishes itself as a sound authority on the typology by providing a clear ‘how to’ guide, as well as being a beautifully illustrated addition to any booklovers collection.
LOT-EK: brooklyn, new york
image © danny bright, container atlas, gestalten 2020
pachacutec house by TRS studio: pachacutec, peru
image © TRS studio / bineural 3D, container atlas, gestalten 2020
CPH village by arcgency: copenhagen, denmark
image © astrid maria rasmussen, container atlas, gestalten 2020
etania green school by billionbricks: sabah, malaysia
image © fernando gomulya, container atlas, gestalten 2020
devil’s corner cellar door by cumulus studio: apslawn, australia
image © tanja milbourne | sixth law, container atlas, gestalten 2020
contiki II by containermanufaktur: woltersdorf am kalksee, germany
image © sascha hoecker, container atlas, gestalten 2020
homeboxen by han slawik / architech: almere-poort, netherlands
image © architech, container atlas, gestalten 2020
container stack pavilion by people’s architecture office: taiyuan, china
image © people’s architecture office, container atlas, gestalten 2020
image © container atlas, gestalten 2020
book info:
book title: container atlas: a practical guide to container architecture
editors: edited by han slawik, julia bergmann, matthias buchmeier, sonja tinney, and by lukas feireiss and robert klanten for gestalten
publisher: gestalten
features: full color, hardcover, stitch bound, 304 pages
format: 9 ½ x 11 ¾ inches (24 x 30 cm)
price: €49.90 / £ 45 / $ 69
ISBN: 978-3-89955-669-8
european publication date: january 28, 2020
international publication date: april 21, 2020
