15 Awesome Cargo Structures Around the World

BOXPARK, Shoreditch, England

Opened in 2011, this 60-container pop-up mall is the first of its kind, though it will be disassembled in 2015. BOXPARK is a mix of stores, galleries, cafes, and restaurants, with both local and global brands. Big-name corporations like Gap, Nike, and Puma have touched down here for grassroots pop-up marketing. The space also hosts screenings, concerts, events, and viewing parties and is a cultural center for this East London hub.

Nomadic Museum, Various Locations

This traveling museum houses the Ashes and Snow photography and film exhibit by Gregory Colbert and tours the world with no final destination. Since its opening in 2005, the museum has visited New York City, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and then Mexico City. With each location and city, the museum changes in design and structure. Keep up with Colbert and track the museum's route here.

Starbucks, Tukwila, Washington

Starbucks has also hopped on the reclaimed shipping container bandwagon. Opened in 2012 and called the "reclamation drive-thru," the container coffee shop was designed in-house using LEED-certified green building standards. The drive-through and walk-up store can be disassembled and reassembled as needed and serves as inspiration for other U.S. modular stores in an effort to reduce the company's global footprint.

Snoozebox Portable Hotel, Northamptonshire, England

With a permanent location at the Silverstone Circuit, Snoozebox is also a pod-delivery hotel system that brings containers to many U.K.-based events (and beyond). Equipped with air-conditioning and heating, en suite bathrooms, double and single bunks, and the standard toiletries you'd get at a normal hotel, Snoozebox accommodations would be perfect for the next time you're at Glastonbury.

SOMBLOX at Assembly Row, Somerville, Massachusetts

Assembly Row is getting the East Coast's first "container venue" come August 2014. The area will feature four permanent containers outfitted for three local businesses, including American Fresh Taproom, a 60-seat beer garden run by Somerville Brewing, alongside retail spaces and restaurants.

Container City, Cholula, Mexico

Two hours from Mexico City is Container City, a repurposed cargo village with gallery spaces, restaurants, bars, stores, and even living spaces and offices. Constructed in 2009, the village not only brought sustainability practices to the nation but also created jobs and a cultural community.

PROXY, San Francisco, California

A temporary retail and food complex has taken hold of San Francisco's Hayes Valley area, thanks to architecture and design firm envelopeA+D. The two-block construct serves as a cultural placeholder at the former Central Freeway path. So far, the development houses popular clothing brand AETHER and various cafes and restaurants, and it even hosts pop-up fitness classes.

Red Fish Blue Fish, Victoria, British Columbia

As part of the Vancouver Aquarium conservation program, the Dr. Seuss-inspired fish 'n' chips shop helps consumers make environmentally friendly seafood choices. Located on a wooden pier in Victoria's Inner Harbor, this upcycled cargo container serves hand-rolled tacos, sandwiches, salads, and even edamame in addition to its renowned seafood.

KontenerART, Poznan, Poland

Since 2008, this Polish experimental project has changed locations each May to bring its creativity to a new area. Part of the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the site brings film screenings, concerts, workshops, discussions, and even a "mock beach" to Polish cities, with this year's location at the Warta River. The compound gives artists (both local and international) two free containers for the summer.

artBOX, Morey's Pier, New Jersey

Who would guess that this design trend has already made its way to the Jersey Shore? Located in Wildwood, New Jersey, neighboring Cape May, artBOX offers local artists a container as a gallery and a place to sell their work. Food and drinks are also available in the area, and you can listen to performances from the School of Rock program, featuring local musicians.

Re:START Container Mall, Christchurch, New Zealand

After the devastating earthquake in February 2011, a group of Christchurch property and building owners knew that they needed to get people back to the central business district, but full-scale construction would take too long. That's when Re:START was born. With more than 50 businesses currently, Re:START offers a range of venues, from coffee shops to banks and boutiques. It's been so successful that a new phase of the project, Cashel Square, has been issued to include offices and more permanent retail spaces.

Container Bar, Austin, Texas

The U.S.'s first container bar, these seven stacked shipping containers on Rainey Street serve 19 beers on tap in addition to an extensive cocktail menu. And the just-opened Dang Trailer serves Southern bar bites like house-made pickles and pork cheeks to go along with your shandy.

Alterra, Pinamar, Argentina

Ah, the glamping trend. We're totally on board with this Argentinean getaway that lets you experience the great outdoors from the comfort of your own little shipping container. The hotel, set amidst the Pinamar forest, has a heated pool, an organic garden, a paint shop, and free massages.

Downtown Container Park, Las Vegas, Nevada

Forget the casinos, the famous Vegas strip is now the new home to dozens of open-air shops, restaurants, and bars plus The Treehouse, an interactive play area with a 33-foot-tall slide and a NEOS play system. Downtown Container Park also features free outdoor summer movies and a stage for live performances and evening concerts.

Skinners Adventure Playground, Melbourne, Australia

This playground is every little kid's dream. With picnic tables on the roof and endless heights for climbing, the "junk food-free zone" and playground is the ultimate modern hangout. Built for local children living in nearby public housing, the playground also has a study room and lounges. If you're in Melbourne, it's totally worth checking out. We can't help but think that Melbourne-based designers Phooey Architects must be kids at heart.

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