Nov 12, 2014 6:30 AM

Gallery: 4 Smart Hacks That Turn Shipping Containers Into Lively Social Hubs

Illustration: NL Architects
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NL Architects in The Netherlands have designed a series of swirly, curvy shipping containers for Seoul's Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which connects event spaces and galleries, a public park, and the neighborhood’s 24-hour shopping locales.
Illustration: NL Architects
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A cut-away of the previous container, which has space for a shop or gallery.

Illustration: NL Architects
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Zaha Hadid designed the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, so all of NL's structures mimic the trademark curves in Hadid's buildings.
Illustration: NL Architects
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The structures are also intended to encourage residents to traverse or just linger on the plaza.

Illustration: NL Architects
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To that end, most can pull double duty. This structure opens up to reveal either a tiny gallery or storefront space.
Illustration: NL Architects
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Others, because they're modeled after Hadid's curved buildings, create natural bench spaces.

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Cartoonish details, like big overhead arches, create natural awnings.

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