People have found many weird and wonderful uses for steel containers over the years, and one popular trend that has started to litter the streets of major cities is the ‘pop up’. This can be a shop, restaurant or even a promotional stand for various companies. The versatility of the steel container means that where there is a will, there is a way.
This ‘cult of the temporary’ has started to appear everywhere in cities, however, are these short term locations a benefit or a blight on the city landscape?
Functionality
The great thing about a steel container is that it can be as big or small as your imagination. A quirky craft store, a high-end restaurant or even a temporary art gallery can suddenly find itself on a vacant plot of land in the city centre. A pop up is also a great addition to temporary events, such as a festival or seasonal fair, as they can be used as a solid but impermanent structure. It is extremely convenient and can adopt an array of functions for such events.
Design
The modern aesthetic of a steel container means that they simply blend into the cityscape. A steel container reflects the glass metallic design of many skyscrapers, just on a much smaller scale. In this way, they look much less out of place than they might at a small village fair. With containers becoming the key component in many modern builds – and even a Starbucks cafe – there is no doubt that they will be seen more and more throughout the country’s architecture.
Costs and Durability
Is the pop-up phenomenon cost effective in the long run? The good thing about a steel container is that over a long period of time it is very reusable, it can pop up multiple times across multiple locations. The relatively cheap costs of a steel container (around £1,000 depending whether you buy new or used) have made it a desirable building material. A modern home with a steel container shell, for example, is a significantly cheaper option than a more traditional build.
So it stands to reason that it would also be a good choice for a novelty pop-up establishment. It is especially cost effective for a high-end restaurant who wants to create a unique, short-lived dining experience for a premium price. One night of high-end dining will pay the cost of the container ten times over at least.
So, do you need a steel container to help start your own pop-up revolution? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0208 459 6972 and our friendly team will be more than happy to discuss more about our pop-up shipping container options.