Container Kiosks at Dongdaemun Plaza

In the past several years, architects and designers have widely explored applications for shipping containers, with results ranging from humble animal shelters and changing rooms to high-end retail spaces. Ten studios were invited to conceive kiosk structures in the spaces surrounding the Dongdaemun Plaza in Seoul, Korea.

The project, meant to catalyze an already vibrant public area, was supervised by architect Young Joon Kim, of Studio yo2, who initiated the development of 30 kiosks to house exhibitions, commercial activity, information centers, and surveillance rooms.

Leading the pack in container innovation, with two of their designs being chosen, was the Dutch firm NL Architects. These designers created an entire “extended family” of structures which sought to further reinterpret the shape and possible functions of industrial boxes, morphing ordinary shipping containers into creative kiosks.

The first design of NLA's to be picked is a tall and skylit kiosk structure that serves as an exhibition space with doors that open on all sides. The second, oriented horizontally, opens on one side to house an information booth, while pinching toward the ground on its back end to create a seating area and sloped landscape.

Dongdaemun Plaza is a major urban development landmark in Seoul, South Korea designed by architect Zaha Hadid.

source: designboom