ContainerSpace is a 200 sq ft experimental project space converted from a former shipping container.
ContainerSpace is an adaptive reuse project that is envisioned as an experimental multifunctional gallery - a prototype for an off-grid mobile gallery that will remain a part of the George Mason University School of Art. It challenges the traditional gallery model with sustainability, mobility and access. As an intentional action, a used shipping container has been converted into a prototype for a zero-carbon mobile experimental project and community use space. It challenges the traditional gallery model with sustainability, mobility and access. It is curated/managed and envisioned by interested parties surrounding the space, particularly students at George Mason University. We are currently accepting proposals for speakers, curated art shows, and whatever else might be brought to the fore.
If you have suggestions for shows or would like to somehow use the space please forward your ideas or contact us.
This project was embarked on in late 2009 by Daniel Dean and Tommy Nutt. We were tasked by Tom Ashcraft to consider a used shipping container and how it might be used to address issues in contemporary art. Exploring the history of the container and the ongoing discussions of consumption, energy and globalization, we decided to create an active space for the continuation of these dialogues through the display of artwork, discussions, and lectures.
We completely stripped down a degrading hunk of metal and wood to rebuild it from the ground up using sustainable building practices and found or repurposed objects. Constrained by a limited budget we completed all of the work ourselves and by enlisting the help of like-minded friends. Intending the space to be completely sustainable, we embarked on developing a plan for solar and people power to drive everything. We pursued and won a grant from George Mason University's Office of Sustainability to purchase all the equipment to implement a solar power system. A 130 watt solar panel provides the bulk of the energy to the space currently while we continue to find a way to convert a 32' long seesaw into electricity. (Engineers welcome to contact us!) The solar energy is gathered into a 150 wt hr battery bank that can drive a projector, laptop, sewing machine, etc. It also powers the 12 high efficiency LED lights that provide interior illumination. We used "0" VOC paint to restore the interior and exterior surfaces (after a month of grinding deep set rust off).
Read below to find out more about how we conceptualized and implemented the rebuild.
Pallet Parquet
Not exactly parquet but we love alliteration. Staying true to the underlying commitment to sustainability for this project, when faced with the need to replace the floor, we turned to an obvious and abundant material destined for the landfill - shipping pallets. We salvaged and transformed approximately 40 pallets into very suitable flooring that also reinforces the practical and conceptual relationship between the former commercial role of the shipping container and its new static role as a gallery. We were pleasantly surprised that much of the wood used in the pallets were very sturdy hardwood. We graded, cut and shaped them to fit roughly, not smoothly like a commercial wood floor, into the 200 sq ft space. We preserved the various paints, stains and stamps on the wood to reveal its source. The result combines to create a warm, quilt-like floor underfoot.
Lightwave Skylights
Early on we decided that skylights would be an essential component of keeping this project sustainable and exciting. Ben Ashworth donated some large pieces of frosted tempered glass (rescued from an alleyway in DC) and we turned these former glass shelves into a dynamic piece of a greater work. Referencing the nautical history of the container, the center skylight is at an angle of 23 1/2 degrees which correspondes to the Tropic of Cancers and Capricorn, two of the five major latitudes of the Earth. The other four skylights increase or decrease by 10 degrees, accordingly, to most efficiently light the interior of the gallery space. They bring architecture, art and, most importantly, sunlight to the project.
The Brain
This is what we call the technical setup that runs the space, mostly consisting of the PV (solar) panel that charges a battery bank to run high efficiency LED's that we wired custom for the project. Much more complex than we first assumed, we have taught ourselves how to piece together a very functional setup, scaled to fit our needs and then some. We have designed the setup to be flexible in anticipation of the various needs that might be encountered by artists or visitors using the space. Powered primarily by a 130 watt solar panel charging a deep cycle 150 wh battery. Two strings of high efficiency LEDS are powered to provide continual lighting for the entire space. A 120 V inverter can power regular lights, laptops, stereos, fans, etc.
See & Saw
(in progress)
We are in the process of developing an oversized seesaw that will expand this project and create a direct link between energy production and use. This element brings into the project the element of play and potential. If one who displays in the gallery has need for more energy than the current system provides than they simply must recruit a friend to join them on a seesaw to produce more energy. This seesaw is connected to two car altenators that generate energy and feed a battery bank as a reserve energy source for greater production. As it stands, energy can be produced by passerbys that will simply be interested in the play of the seesaw rather than its original intent and therefore contribute to an endeavor beyond their understanding. In this way, the seesaw acts as a multifunction device for fun and energy production that extends beyond its simple appearance as an entertainment device.