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Anthropolis
Industrial Fabrication
ANTHROPOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT
For decades educational institutions have promoted careers in STEM, (science, technology, engineering, and math), as the only viable path to “success” — as it pertains to economic growth. The very idea of working with your hands instead of your mind has become viewed as undesirable in the lexicon of our ethos. Those who have done both know better, but unfortunately the emphasis on STEM jobs, and the outsourcing of manual labor abroad, has created less opportunity for young people to make informed decisions as to what kind of contribution they are best suited for.
PREFABRICATION (Prefab)
A prefabricated, (or Prefab), product is one that is built indoors in a factory-like setting. The finished products are covered and transported to their new locations, where they are assembled by a builder. A prefab home is not a mobile home; it is simply a home that is built off-site, as opposed to on-site. These homes are often called factory-built, system-built or modular homes.
INTERMODAL SHIPPING CONTAINER (ISO)
Shipping Container Design
The use of shipping containers as a building material has grown in popularity due to their strength, standard dimensions, wide availability, and relatively low cost.
Note: All designs presented here can be built with alternative materials using the standard Intermodel Freight standard dimensions.
Note: All designs presented here can be built with alternative materials using the standard Intermodel Freight standard dimensions.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Customization:
Due to their shape and material, shipping containers can be modified to fit various purposes.
Strength and durability:
Shipping containers are designed to be stacked in high columns, carrying heavy loads. They are also designed to resist harsh environments, such as on ocean-going vessels or sprayed with road salt while transported on roads.
Due to their shape and material, shipping containers can be modified to fit various purposes.
Strength and durability:
Shipping containers are designed to be stacked in high columns, carrying heavy loads. They are also designed to resist harsh environments, such as on ocean-going vessels or sprayed with road salt while transported on roads.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Modularity:
All shipping containers are the same width, and most have two standard height and length measurements. As such, they provide modular elements that can be combined into larger structures. This simplifies design, planning, and transport. As they are already designed to interlock for ease of mobility during transportation, structural construction is completed by simply emplacing them. Due to the containers' modular design, additional construction is as easy as stacking more containers. They can be stacked up to 12 units high when empty.
All shipping containers are the same width, and most have two standard height and length measurements. As such, they provide modular elements that can be combined into larger structures. This simplifies design, planning, and transport. As they are already designed to interlock for ease of mobility during transportation, structural construction is completed by simply emplacing them. Due to the containers' modular design, additional construction is as easy as stacking more containers. They can be stacked up to 12 units high when empty.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Labor:
The welding and cutting of steel is considered to be specialized labor, and can increase construction expenses. Yet, overall, it is still lower than conventional construction. Unlike wood-frame construction, attachments must be welded or drilled to the outer skin, which is more time-consuming, and requires different job site equipment.
The welding and cutting of steel is considered to be specialized labor, and can increase construction expenses. Yet, overall, it is still lower than conventional construction. Unlike wood-frame construction, attachments must be welded or drilled to the outer skin, which is more time-consuming, and requires different job site equipment.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Transport:
As they already conform to standard shipping sizes, pre-fabricated modules can be easily transported by ship, truck, or rail.
Availability:
As a result of their widespread use, new and used shipping containers are available globally.
As they already conform to standard shipping sizes, pre-fabricated modules can be easily transported by ship, truck, or rail.
Availability:
As a result of their widespread use, new and used shipping containers are available globally.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Expense:
One of the major perks of buying container homes is that they are quite affordable. Depending on the requirements and material used, a container home will cost less compared to traditional homes.
Eco-friendly:
A 40 ft shipping container weighs over 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs, or 551 stone). When upcycling shipping containers, thousands of kilograms of steel are saved. In addition, when building with containers, the quantities of traditional building materials needed (i.e. bricks and cement) are reduced.
One of the major perks of buying container homes is that they are quite affordable. Depending on the requirements and material used, a container home will cost less compared to traditional homes.
Eco-friendly:
A 40 ft shipping container weighs over 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs, or 551 stone). When upcycling shipping containers, thousands of kilograms of steel are saved. In addition, when building with containers, the quantities of traditional building materials needed (i.e. bricks and cement) are reduced.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Humidity:
Single wall steel conducts heat. In temperate climates, moist interior air condenses against the steel, becoming humid. Rust will form, unless the steel is well sealed and insulated.
Construction site:
The size and weight of the containers will, in most cases, require them to be placed by a crane or forklift. Traditional brick, block, and lumber construction materials can often be moved by hand, even to upper stories.
Single wall steel conducts heat. In temperate climates, moist interior air condenses against the steel, becoming humid. Rust will form, unless the steel is well sealed and insulated.
Construction site:
The size and weight of the containers will, in most cases, require them to be placed by a crane or forklift. Traditional brick, block, and lumber construction materials can often be moved by hand, even to upper stories.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Building permits:
The use of steel for construction, while prevalent in industrial construction, is not widely used for residential structures. Obtaining building permits may be troublesome in some regions, due to municipalities not having seen this application before. However, in the United States, certain shipping container homes have been built in areas outside of the city's zoning code; this meant no building permits were required.
The use of steel for construction, while prevalent in industrial construction, is not widely used for residential structures. Obtaining building permits may be troublesome in some regions, due to municipalities not having seen this application before. However, in the United States, certain shipping container homes have been built in areas outside of the city's zoning code; this meant no building permits were required.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Treatment of timber floors:
Most container floors, when manufactured, are treated with insecticides containing copper (23–25%), chromium (38–45%) and arsenic (30–37%). Chromium and arsenic are known carcinogens. Before human habitation, floors should be removed and safely disposed of. Units with steel floors would be preferable, if available.
Most container floors, when manufactured, are treated with insecticides containing copper (23–25%), chromium (38–45%) and arsenic (30–37%). Chromium and arsenic are known carcinogens. Before human habitation, floors should be removed and safely disposed of. Units with steel floors would be preferable, if available.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Cargo spillages:
A container can carry a wide variety of cargo during its working life. Spillages or contamination may have occurred on the inside surfaces, and will have to be cleaned before habitation. Ideally, all internal surfaces must be abrasive blasted to bare metal, and re-painted with a nontoxic paint system.
Solvents:
Solvents released from paint, and sealants used in manufacture, might be harmful to human health.
A container can carry a wide variety of cargo during its working life. Spillages or contamination may have occurred on the inside surfaces, and will have to be cleaned before habitation. Ideally, all internal surfaces must be abrasive blasted to bare metal, and re-painted with a nontoxic paint system.
Solvents:
Solvents released from paint, and sealants used in manufacture, might be harmful to human health.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Damage:
While in service, containers are damaged by friction, handling collisions, and force of heavy loads overhead during ship transits. The companies will inspect containers, and condemn them if there are cracked welds, twisted frames, or pin holes are found, among other faults.
Roof weaknesses:
Although the two ends of a container are extremely strong, the roof is not. In the case of a 20' container, the roof is built and tested to withstand a 300 kg (660 lb) load, applied to an area of 61 cm by 30.5 cm (2' by 1') in the weakest part of the roof.
While in service, containers are damaged by friction, handling collisions, and force of heavy loads overhead during ship transits. The companies will inspect containers, and condemn them if there are cracked welds, twisted frames, or pin holes are found, among other faults.
Roof weaknesses:
Although the two ends of a container are extremely strong, the roof is not. In the case of a 20' container, the roof is built and tested to withstand a 300 kg (660 lb) load, applied to an area of 61 cm by 30.5 cm (2' by 1') in the weakest part of the roof.
Shipping Container Design
The use of shipping containers as a building material has grown in popularity due to their strength, standard dimensions, wide availability, and relatively low cost.
Note: All designs presented here can be built with alternative materials using the standard Intermodel Freight standard dimensions.
Note: All designs presented here can be built with alternative materials using the standard Intermodel Freight standard dimensions.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Customization:
Due to their shape and material, shipping containers can be modified to fit various purposes.
Strength and durability:
Shipping containers are designed to be stacked in high columns, carrying heavy loads. They are also designed to resist harsh environments, such as on ocean-going vessels or sprayed with road salt while transported on roads.
Due to their shape and material, shipping containers can be modified to fit various purposes.
Strength and durability:
Shipping containers are designed to be stacked in high columns, carrying heavy loads. They are also designed to resist harsh environments, such as on ocean-going vessels or sprayed with road salt while transported on roads.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Modularity:
All shipping containers are the same width, and most have two standard height and length measurements. As such, they provide modular elements that can be combined into larger structures. This simplifies design, planning, and transport. As they are already designed to interlock for ease of mobility during transportation, structural construction is completed by simply emplacing them. Due to the containers' modular design, additional construction is as easy as stacking more containers. They can be stacked up to 12 units high when empty.
All shipping containers are the same width, and most have two standard height and length measurements. As such, they provide modular elements that can be combined into larger structures. This simplifies design, planning, and transport. As they are already designed to interlock for ease of mobility during transportation, structural construction is completed by simply emplacing them. Due to the containers' modular design, additional construction is as easy as stacking more containers. They can be stacked up to 12 units high when empty.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Labor:
The welding and cutting of steel is considered to be specialized labor, and can increase construction expenses. Yet, overall, it is still lower than conventional construction. Unlike wood-frame construction, attachments must be welded or drilled to the outer skin, which is more time-consuming, and requires different job site equipment.
The welding and cutting of steel is considered to be specialized labor, and can increase construction expenses. Yet, overall, it is still lower than conventional construction. Unlike wood-frame construction, attachments must be welded or drilled to the outer skin, which is more time-consuming, and requires different job site equipment.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Transport:
As they already conform to standard shipping sizes, pre-fabricated modules can be easily transported by ship, truck, or rail.
Availability:
As a result of their widespread use, new and used shipping containers are available globally.
As they already conform to standard shipping sizes, pre-fabricated modules can be easily transported by ship, truck, or rail.
Availability:
As a result of their widespread use, new and used shipping containers are available globally.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Expense:
One of the major perks of buying container homes is that they are quite affordable. Depending on the requirements and material used, a container home will cost less compared to traditional homes.
Eco-friendly:
A 40 ft shipping container weighs over 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs, or 551 stone). When upcycling shipping containers, thousands of kilograms of steel are saved. In addition, when building with containers, the quantities of traditional building materials needed (i.e. bricks and cement) are reduced.
One of the major perks of buying container homes is that they are quite affordable. Depending on the requirements and material used, a container home will cost less compared to traditional homes.
Eco-friendly:
A 40 ft shipping container weighs over 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs, or 551 stone). When upcycling shipping containers, thousands of kilograms of steel are saved. In addition, when building with containers, the quantities of traditional building materials needed (i.e. bricks and cement) are reduced.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Humidity:
Single wall steel conducts heat. In temperate climates, moist interior air condenses against the steel, becoming humid. Rust will form, unless the steel is well sealed and insulated.
Construction site:
The size and weight of the containers will, in most cases, require them to be placed by a crane or forklift. Traditional brick, block, and lumber construction materials can often be moved by hand, even to upper stories.
Single wall steel conducts heat. In temperate climates, moist interior air condenses against the steel, becoming humid. Rust will form, unless the steel is well sealed and insulated.
Construction site:
The size and weight of the containers will, in most cases, require them to be placed by a crane or forklift. Traditional brick, block, and lumber construction materials can often be moved by hand, even to upper stories.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Building permits:
The use of steel for construction, while prevalent in industrial construction, is not widely used for residential structures. Obtaining building permits may be troublesome in some regions, due to municipalities not having seen this application before. However, in the United States, certain shipping container homes have been built in areas outside of the city's zoning code; this meant no building permits were required.
The use of steel for construction, while prevalent in industrial construction, is not widely used for residential structures. Obtaining building permits may be troublesome in some regions, due to municipalities not having seen this application before. However, in the United States, certain shipping container homes have been built in areas outside of the city's zoning code; this meant no building permits were required.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Treatment of timber floors:
Most container floors, when manufactured, are treated with insecticides containing copper (23–25%), chromium (38–45%) and arsenic (30–37%). Chromium and arsenic are known carcinogens. Before human habitation, floors should be removed and safely disposed of. Units with steel floors would be preferable, if available.
Most container floors, when manufactured, are treated with insecticides containing copper (23–25%), chromium (38–45%) and arsenic (30–37%). Chromium and arsenic are known carcinogens. Before human habitation, floors should be removed and safely disposed of. Units with steel floors would be preferable, if available.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Cargo spillages:
A container can carry a wide variety of cargo during its working life. Spillages or contamination may have occurred on the inside surfaces, and will have to be cleaned before habitation. Ideally, all internal surfaces must be abrasive blasted to bare metal, and re-painted with a nontoxic paint system.
Solvents:
Solvents released from paint, and sealants used in manufacture, might be harmful to human health.
A container can carry a wide variety of cargo during its working life. Spillages or contamination may have occurred on the inside surfaces, and will have to be cleaned before habitation. Ideally, all internal surfaces must be abrasive blasted to bare metal, and re-painted with a nontoxic paint system.
Solvents:
Solvents released from paint, and sealants used in manufacture, might be harmful to human health.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Damage:
While in service, containers are damaged by friction, handling collisions, and force of heavy loads overhead during ship transits. The companies will inspect containers, and condemn them if there are cracked welds, twisted frames, or pin holes are found, among other faults.
Roof weaknesses:
Although the two ends of a container are extremely strong, the roof is not. In the case of a 20' container, the roof is built and tested to withstand a 300 kg (660 lb) load, applied to an area of 61 cm by 30.5 cm (2' by 1') in the weakest part of the roof.
While in service, containers are damaged by friction, handling collisions, and force of heavy loads overhead during ship transits. The companies will inspect containers, and condemn them if there are cracked welds, twisted frames, or pin holes are found, among other faults.
Roof weaknesses:
Although the two ends of a container are extremely strong, the roof is not. In the case of a 20' container, the roof is built and tested to withstand a 300 kg (660 lb) load, applied to an area of 61 cm by 30.5 cm (2' by 1') in the weakest part of the roof.
Shipping Container Design
The use of shipping containers as a building material has grown in popularity due to their strength, standard dimensions, wide availability, and relatively low cost.
Note: All designs presented here can be built with alternative materials using the standard Intermodel Freight standard dimensions.
Note: All designs presented here can be built with alternative materials using the standard Intermodel Freight standard dimensions.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Customization:
Due to their shape and material, shipping containers can be modified to fit various purposes.
Strength and durability:
Shipping containers are designed to be stacked in high columns, carrying heavy loads. They are also designed to resist harsh environments, such as on ocean-going vessels or sprayed with road salt while transported on roads.
Due to their shape and material, shipping containers can be modified to fit various purposes.
Strength and durability:
Shipping containers are designed to be stacked in high columns, carrying heavy loads. They are also designed to resist harsh environments, such as on ocean-going vessels or sprayed with road salt while transported on roads.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Modularity:
All shipping containers are the same width, and most have two standard height and length measurements. As such, they provide modular elements that can be combined into larger structures. This simplifies design, planning, and transport. As they are already designed to interlock for ease of mobility during transportation, structural construction is completed by simply emplacing them. Due to the containers' modular design, additional construction is as easy as stacking more containers. They can be stacked up to 12 units high when empty.
All shipping containers are the same width, and most have two standard height and length measurements. As such, they provide modular elements that can be combined into larger structures. This simplifies design, planning, and transport. As they are already designed to interlock for ease of mobility during transportation, structural construction is completed by simply emplacing them. Due to the containers' modular design, additional construction is as easy as stacking more containers. They can be stacked up to 12 units high when empty.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Labor:
The welding and cutting of steel is considered to be specialized labor, and can increase construction expenses. Yet, overall, it is still lower than conventional construction. Unlike wood-frame construction, attachments must be welded or drilled to the outer skin, which is more time-consuming, and requires different job site equipment.
The welding and cutting of steel is considered to be specialized labor, and can increase construction expenses. Yet, overall, it is still lower than conventional construction. Unlike wood-frame construction, attachments must be welded or drilled to the outer skin, which is more time-consuming, and requires different job site equipment.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Transport:
As they already conform to standard shipping sizes, pre-fabricated modules can be easily transported by ship, truck, or rail.
Availability:
As a result of their widespread use, new and used shipping containers are available globally.
As they already conform to standard shipping sizes, pre-fabricated modules can be easily transported by ship, truck, or rail.
Availability:
As a result of their widespread use, new and used shipping containers are available globally.
Shipping Container (Advantages)
Expense:
One of the major perks of buying container homes is that they are quite affordable. Depending on the requirements and material used, a container home will cost less compared to traditional homes.
Eco-friendly:
A 40 ft shipping container weighs over 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs, or 551 stone). When upcycling shipping containers, thousands of kilograms of steel are saved. In addition, when building with containers, the quantities of traditional building materials needed (i.e. bricks and cement) are reduced.
One of the major perks of buying container homes is that they are quite affordable. Depending on the requirements and material used, a container home will cost less compared to traditional homes.
Eco-friendly:
A 40 ft shipping container weighs over 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs, or 551 stone). When upcycling shipping containers, thousands of kilograms of steel are saved. In addition, when building with containers, the quantities of traditional building materials needed (i.e. bricks and cement) are reduced.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Humidity:
Single wall steel conducts heat. In temperate climates, moist interior air condenses against the steel, becoming humid. Rust will form, unless the steel is well sealed and insulated.
Construction site:
The size and weight of the containers will, in most cases, require them to be placed by a crane or forklift. Traditional brick, block, and lumber construction materials can often be moved by hand, even to upper stories.
Single wall steel conducts heat. In temperate climates, moist interior air condenses against the steel, becoming humid. Rust will form, unless the steel is well sealed and insulated.
Construction site:
The size and weight of the containers will, in most cases, require them to be placed by a crane or forklift. Traditional brick, block, and lumber construction materials can often be moved by hand, even to upper stories.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Building permits:
The use of steel for construction, while prevalent in industrial construction, is not widely used for residential structures. Obtaining building permits may be troublesome in some regions, due to municipalities not having seen this application before. However, in the United States, certain shipping container homes have been built in areas outside of the city's zoning code; this meant no building permits were required.
The use of steel for construction, while prevalent in industrial construction, is not widely used for residential structures. Obtaining building permits may be troublesome in some regions, due to municipalities not having seen this application before. However, in the United States, certain shipping container homes have been built in areas outside of the city's zoning code; this meant no building permits were required.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Treatment of timber floors:
Most container floors, when manufactured, are treated with insecticides containing copper (23–25%), chromium (38–45%) and arsenic (30–37%). Chromium and arsenic are known carcinogens. Before human habitation, floors should be removed and safely disposed of. Units with steel floors would be preferable, if available.
Most container floors, when manufactured, are treated with insecticides containing copper (23–25%), chromium (38–45%) and arsenic (30–37%). Chromium and arsenic are known carcinogens. Before human habitation, floors should be removed and safely disposed of. Units with steel floors would be preferable, if available.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Cargo spillages:
A container can carry a wide variety of cargo during its working life. Spillages or contamination may have occurred on the inside surfaces, and will have to be cleaned before habitation. Ideally, all internal surfaces must be abrasive blasted to bare metal, and re-painted with a nontoxic paint system.
Solvents:
Solvents released from paint, and sealants used in manufacture, might be harmful to human health.
A container can carry a wide variety of cargo during its working life. Spillages or contamination may have occurred on the inside surfaces, and will have to be cleaned before habitation. Ideally, all internal surfaces must be abrasive blasted to bare metal, and re-painted with a nontoxic paint system.
Solvents:
Solvents released from paint, and sealants used in manufacture, might be harmful to human health.
Shipping Container (Disadvantages)
Damage:
While in service, containers are damaged by friction, handling collisions, and force of heavy loads overhead during ship transits. The companies will inspect containers, and condemn them if there are cracked welds, twisted frames, or pin holes are found, among other faults.
Roof weaknesses:
Although the two ends of a container are extremely strong, the roof is not. In the case of a 20' container, the roof is built and tested to withstand a 300 kg (660 lb) load, applied to an area of 61 cm by 30.5 cm (2' by 1') in the weakest part of the roof.
While in service, containers are damaged by friction, handling collisions, and force of heavy loads overhead during ship transits. The companies will inspect containers, and condemn them if there are cracked welds, twisted frames, or pin holes are found, among other faults.
Roof weaknesses:
Although the two ends of a container are extremely strong, the roof is not. In the case of a 20' container, the roof is built and tested to withstand a 300 kg (660 lb) load, applied to an area of 61 cm by 30.5 cm (2' by 1') in the weakest part of the roof.
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REPURPOSING
Repurposing is creating a new use for a product different than what was intended at conception, usually using items considered to be junk, garbage, or obsolete. The practice is as old as human civilization. Design Anthropology studies the way that different societies re-appropriate the artifacts of older cultures in new and creative ways. More recently, hobbyists and arts-and-crafts organizations such as Instructables and other maker culture communities have adapted this strategy as a means of creatively responding to the ecological and economic crises of the 21st century.
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