From Trucks To Homes: The Thing About Container Architecture

Cargo containers are becoming an architectural staple nowadays, especially among home builders who are looking for a greener alternative with their buildings. Before their rise to architectural fame, these containers were used for shipping heavy materials from one side of the globe to another. And because a lot of these containers are just left to rust, architects have turned these empty shells into living dwellings, schools, emergency shelters, and even coffee shops.

Image source: 24hplans.com

Making a building out of a container is not just eco-friendly, but it’s also cost-effective. A lot of new homeowners choose to live in a container home because it is way cheaper than having to build a home from scratch.

Another reason people make the container switch is the convenience it offers. Container homes can be constructed offsite and delivered to the land after the construction has been finished. Building it is also a lot faster compared to other home styles because the walls and ceilings are already present. It just needs some cleaning and decorating before the move in.

Image source: niftyhomestead.com

Affordability and other pros aside, building homes with containers also has its cons. Some cargo containers are filled with hazardous substances. This is why it is necessary to have containers sandblasted before they are converted to a home. Cargo containers also have limited dimensions, and turning them into a home might end up looking cramped.

Despite the negatives, containers are a great option for innovative home builders. For those who are considering building something out of the box, a container home sounds like a good idea.

I’m Joe Cianciotto, an architect based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Read more about architectural innovations on this blog.

Films Starring Architecture

Going to different places is the best way to discover great architecture to find inspiration. But there are occasions when we just don't have the luxury of time or a budget for traveling. Thankfully, there are other places to find great, innovative architecture: onscreen.

Some films have featured some remarkable structures and concepts that catch an architect's eye. Here are just some of the most impressive designs in a movie.

Image source: lifewithoutbuildings.net

There are many ways fans can geek out to Star Wars, and architects are no exception. The exterior and interior of the Death Star alone can give birth to many ideas that draw from the futuristic style of the space ship. For more futuristic ideas, Tron and Flynn's Safehouse present sleek, minimalist and monochromatic concepts for your next design proposal.

The cinematography and art direction in Last Year at Marienbad provide a surreal setting that features chateau interiors, fountains, parterres, and topiaries co-mingling with other historic European sites and structures.

Image source: home-designing.com

While others may be intrigued by the storylines of The Ghost Writer, the architect is bound to notice the posh, stony bunker style of the house fit for the laid-back but sophisticated gentleman.
I'm Joe Cianciotto an architect based in San Francisco. I am also a movie junkie and especially enjoy watching classic and superhero films. For more articles on architecture, visit my blog.

Beyond the Golden Gate: Architectural Masterpieces in San Francisco

Apart from the Golden Gate—the definitive and world-famous structure of San Francisco—there are 25 other structures listed by the American Institute of Architects as the most notable and representative of the city.

The grandiose City Hall in its beaux-arts architecture is one of the city's must-see. It was part of the City Beautiful movement in the 1900s and was designed by Bakewell and Brown.

Image source: SkyscraperCenter.com

Also one of the civic structures in the list is the Palace of the Legion of Honor by George Applegarth. Modeled after its namesake structure in Paris, the neoclassical design of the building complements the collection of Rodin sculptures within its walls.

The magnificent and historical Gothic Revival churches are among the five religious structures on the list. The Grace Cathedral with its bronze doors and Chartres-inspired labyrinth was designed by Lewis Hobart; while the First Unitarian Church was originally designed by George Percy, but the textured cement façade enhancements were by Callister Payne & Rosse.

Image source: SF-info.org

Among the commercial buildings are the Federal Building, Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Thom Mayne's Deconstructive masterpiece; and San Francisco's most iconic skyscraper, Transamerica Pyramid by William Pereira & Associates.

I am Joe Cianciotto, an architect from San Francisco. When I'm not admiring the structural masterpieces of my city, I enjoy watching classic and independent films. Follow me on Twitter for more updates.