Dianne Pajo https://goipme.com 1m 328 #shipping
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen many extraordinary advancements in shipping container structures. We’ve seen these metal crates converted into pop-up shops, trade show booths, and even livable homes. Today, we explore a brief history of shipping container architecture and how these metal crates went from cargo to these modern iterations.
Origins of Containers
Malcolm McLean invented the shipping container in the 1950s. The general idea was to create one firm structure that would allow companies to load cargo and transport it safely without needing to pack it into separate boxes.
The military quickly latched onto McLean’s invention and used them to transport cargo and food during the Vietnam War. One significant advantage of the metal structure was that troops could use them as emergency shelters and set up cots. Containers were useful for safely transporting supplies and were easy to reinforce to protect troops in high-intensity situations.
Early Adaptations
Part of the history of shipping container architecture is that many other cultures and countries started adopting containers for different needs. Because these structures are easy to work with and put together, they became more common.
The first official shipping container home in the United States was in 2007 and created by Peter DeMaria. Since that first home, shipping container housing has become a growing industry. Many people build their own container houses or guest homes, and HGTV even created the TV show Container Homes to highlight some of the potential these structures have.
Modern Uses
Apart from housing, shipping container structures are a booming industry. There are companies that will design and build unique structures for clients, and many companies turn these containers into transportable brand experiences. Many college campuses also use shipping containers, and other countries in Europe and Asia use them as school buildings. Some companies take the concept of converting shipping containers even further by creating gigantic multi-piece structures, like the Container Park outdoor mall and entertainment venue in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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