Recycled Shipping Containers
Back in the late 80’s and 90’s Kaohsiung harbour ranked the third busiest container port in the world. In 1989 I remember being able to count 20 to 30 ships at anchor off Chichin island awaiting entry to the harbour.
Today much of the manufacturing of Taiwan has moved to China and Kaohsiung has dropped rank to sixth busiest. Though total containers have increased over the years, Kaohsiung harbour today does not have the same hustle and bustle feel as it had back in 89.
Being the resourceful and industrious people they are, it is hardly surprising that the “ex-shipping container” can be seen all over the Kaohsiung country side. Of course this is not anything particularly unique to Kaohsiung or Taiwan. It is simply the prevalence of the twenty foot equivalent units (TEU) that make them so striking as you wander around.
Home sweet home
Just add lights, windows and a pretty girl (missing below) and they quickly become a Betel nut stand.
Slice each wall off and they become panelling for this car yard.
Air filter, carcinogen keeper, cold water supply, illicit drug storage. Who knows?
They make perfect roadside stores.
Add a few bricks, concrete and a window and they pass as housing. Not sure if the YM has been removed by the present or previous owners.
They stack naturally to create economical office space for many yards.
With a little investment in a roof and wall ends they make a great shed.
It is not surprising that the Kaohsiung International Container Arts Festival is held here. The location of the December meet of the Kaohsiung Flickr group.
Keep an eye on the Shipping Containers album in the photos section for more recycled containers.
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