Carmen Cervantes

Blue Island, IL USA

Architects design spaces which aim to address specific criteria or programmatic goals. These are often derived from issues of inhabitation and so an understanding of the project’s residents or users is of great importance. Even more critical however, is the begin to address the continually shifting dynamic of those residents. As the family changes, so too do their needs. Architecture must evolve in order for it to survive. If the edifice does not adapt in order to accommodate the change in size of the family, it will simply relocate. The lack of flexibility is to the detriment of the community as a whole. The modularity of the shipping container allows for the expansion and compression of living quarters and thus, facilitates the retention of its population.

This specific design is comprised of a five-story module. The apartments are of differing sizes, but all share the services core. The main concept is simple; by making small adaptations to the structural shell of the container in specific areas, spaces which were previously designated as exterior can evolve into interior spaces- bedrooms to be exact. By utilizing prefabricated panels as wall, ceiling and floor finishes and creating a simple method of assembly, the resident will be able to expand or shrink their apartment within a few hours.