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These days, because of growing populations, housing uncertainties, and rising living costs, urban centres must think creatively and pragmatically when it comes to infrastructure solutions. The concept of urbanization is now a term with multiple meanings and uses-since COVID hit in 2020, developing communities within large urban areas is more important than ever. 

Cities and the governing bodies within them have to consider ways in which they can provide generative engagement with residents and businesses due to the recent collectively shared isolation and alienation caused by the pandemic. 

Shipping containers have been an integral component to how American cities have stored and shipped items of all sorts for several decades because of their outstanding durability and resilience to harsh weather conditions. Today, the cities embracing shipping containers for storage are also considering their diverse and innovative urbanization advantages. Shipping containers can provide cities with a multitude of refreshing opportunities-it just requires a little thinking outside of the box! 

Are you a business owner, local government worker, or design and urban enthusiast? Well, if so, you will love these shipping container design, business, and functionality ideas crafted to enhance the beauty and framework of our country's city centers. Let's look at how some cities are approaching containers for storage and other alternative usages that incorporate engagement for communities and businesses.

Retail Spaces

If you have lived or visited a big city recently, you may have noticed that many commercial businesses have transitioned from brick-and-mortar spaces to hip pop-up or mobile locations made of shipping containers. The reality is that many business owners find it difficult to maintain rent and overhead costs of their conventional business spaces in big cities, so working from a shipping container converted into a retail space provides less financial anxiety. 

The interesting thing about converting containers into retail spaces is that many businesses can come together and build several containers into one sophisticated and innovative space. The addition of bars, restaurants, and boutique retail shopping in a shipping container commercial retail space could become a hotspot for locals and tourists.

Fitness Gym or Swimming Pools

Did you know that a shipping container can also convert into a beautiful fitness gym? Many people across the country are already doing this for their personal use but the benefits of building a gym or small swimming pool for a community that may need fun healthy options in your city could be rewarding. Shipping container gyms and pools are stylish, cost-effective to build, and long-lasting.

Storage

You guessed it-another way cities are currently using shipping containers to improve infrastructure is for storage. Shipping containers are incredibly reliable objects as they're made of steel and are secure, water resistant, can withstand weather conditions and pests, and are customizable. Furthermore, cities can store items to free up space in public places for residents to use, increasing community engagement.

If you are wondering how to diversify and provide interesting storage and community engagement solutions to your city, consider the versatility of shipping containers! Find a shipping container company that offers online delivery options to bring your business and city into the future of design and urbanization.