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

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    Illustration: NL Architects
    01

    Slide51

    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.
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    Illustration: NL Architects
    02

    Slide46

    A cut-away of the previous container, which has space for a shop or gallery.
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    Illustration: NL Architects
    03

    Slide23

    Zaha Hadid designed the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, so all of NL's structures mimic the trademark curves in Hadid's buildings.
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    Illustration: NL Architects
    04

    Slide2

    The structures are also intended to encourage residents to traverse or just linger on the plaza.
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    Illustration: NL Architects
    05

    Slide3

    To that end, most can pull double duty. This structure opens up to reveal either a tiny gallery or storefront space.
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    Illustration: NL Architects
    06

    Slide22

    Others, because they're modeled after Hadid's curved buildings, create natural bench spaces.
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    07

    Slide27

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