Container Park

Designing a unique ecological building that inspires interdisciplinary research

Repurposing shipping containers to create an eco-friendly research hub that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Year & Location

2016, Türkiye

Industry

Education

Scope

Architectural Design, Urban Design,
Landscape Design

Offering

Architecture

35

Shipping Containers

3

International Awards

83.000 m2

Space Built

100 %

Reused Materials

THE CHALLENGE

Ege University required an adaptable space to house office and laboratory units for R&D firms while minimizing costs and environmental impact. The challenge was to design a sustainable and collaborative environment that could evolve with future needs.

THE TRANSFORMATION APPROACH

To meet this challenge, 35 second-hand shipping containers were repurposed into modular units, reducing the carbon footprint by using existing materials. The proximity to the port allowed for efficient logistics, and the design incorporated flexible pathways to enhance circulation within the campus. The process involved extensive research, including visits to 8 technoparks and stakeholder interviews, resulting in a 10-year staging plan for future development.

THE IMPACT

Container Park is now a hub for innovative research in biotechnology, energy, materials, and software. By blending functionality with sustainability, it has earned international recognition, including the Architizer A+ Prefab Category Award and the World Architecture Community Award. Its success demonstrates the potential for modular design to support collaborative and interdisciplinary environments.

THE COMMUNITY LENS

This project was shaped by a deeply participatory process. Researchers, administrative staff, and stakeholders contributed insights to ensure the space met their needs. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, Container Park has become a model for how communities can drive innovation. Its “catalyst” spaces, such as a hackerspace and gallery, further encourage engagement and knowledge sharing, turning the facility into a vibrant hub of creative exchange.