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CONTAINING SPACE

Conversion of a “Container Object” to a “Container Space” A usually closed-down metal black box that is conventionally dedicated to handling cargo, is transformed into a welcoming inhabitable space, while its cargo-oriented aesthetics is acknowledged, appreciated and embraced. By definition, a cargo container contains and protects what it contains. In the conversion of the cargo container to the social space of a café, space remains faithful to its initial character, that is, a handler of deposited objects. Yet, the constituting elements of its interior are revisited with an architecturally informed obsession with details. In-line with the aesthetics of corrugated metal sheets, the openings are incorporated along the elongated surfaces. Furthermore, the upper surface, being treated like the roof of the space, opens up in five sections. The resulting spatial effect, contributes to the transformation of an otherwise hermetic box, to an extroverted and open architecture that is capable of embracing the realm of the outside while having on obstructed visual access to it. All architectural elements, including the windows, doors, electrical and mechanical components follow the initial geometry of the cargo container and their detail design is handled accordingly. The material condition of the designed space follows the material pallet that is familiar in cargo containers, metal sheets, and multi-layer panels. The final treating of all constituting surfaces with a bright red color contributes to a homogeneous spatial effect. The accepted container aesthetic makes the new object familiar and unexpected at the same time. When you face the container space, at first sight, your initial impression will be as if it is a cargo container, because it has not differed much. But you will be surprisingly contained with the inhabitable interior space as soon as it gets extroverted. The “container object” mutates to an autonomous “container space”. In this mutation, the mechanical and electrical requirements of its autonomous operation have little influence on its aesthetics and surroundings. It is a pure space that is environmentally conditioned with ease and through minimum interaction with control buttons. This makes the “container space” an object having a plug seeking a launch socket. The function “café” could be replaced by any other spatial activity, such as habitat, first-aid booth, library, school, or even public bath because it will be easily conditioned and utilized by basic access to electricity generated from a solar panel or a tiny petrol-generator. This advantage gives the container space an unconditional usage and unlimited spatial alternation. The container space seats in its context via four adjustable props. This allows it to adapt to different slopes and topographic conditions, not requiring masonry foundation or groundwork. These are the reasons the advantage of mobility may be taken in various social and natural conditions: in front of the yard of a dense art gallery, in a public plaza or in the heart of the desert in a refugee camp therefor it is going to move anywhere liberally.

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Architektur FachMagazin

Lead Architect(s)

Mohamadreza Ghodousi, Fateme Rezaei Fakhr, Golnaz Bahrami,

Client(s)

Otragh,

Design Team

Soroush Majidi, Mohsen Safshekan, Yeganeh Ghezellou, Hosein Panjeh Pour, Golnaz Khosravani,

Graphic & Illustration

Soroush Majidi, Yeganeh Ghezellou,

Project Manager

Golnaz Bahrami,

Supervision

Golnaz Bahrami,

Construction

Hesamodin Raoofpanah,

Mechanical Engineer

Reza Sarlak,

Electrical Engineer

Alireza Faryadras,

Electrical Construction

Alireza Faryadras,

Mechanical Construction

Reza Sarlak,

Photographer(s)

Soroush Majidi,