Stacking up creativity

People and industries across the world are taking smarter and more environmentally friendly approaches to building … in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, the Village Underground Lisboa project breathed some new life into used shipping containers and double-decker buses.

These unconventional building blocks were used to create office space – which is now, reportedly, being used by various start-ups, designers and creative agencies.

Adam Williams, writer at Gizmag (which has been online for over a decade and is read by more than 3,5 million people per month), reports that the Village Underground Lisboa project is still under construction, but the first phase opened its doors in May.

“The complex is installed in Lisbon’s Carris Museum, a public transport history museum, and comprises 14 used shipping containers and two double-decker buses, arranged to form office spaces, a cafeteria and central courtyard,” notes Williams.

“Each container sports five tables aimed at start-ups, artists and other creative types. The business derives its income by charging patrons €150 (around R2 113) per table, per month, including Wi-Fi, electricity and cleaning services. The workspaces can also be rented by the hour, week or whatever suits. The two double-decker buses each contain a cafeteria.”

The Village Underground Lisboa still has more to offer, however, as several plans and projects will reportedly be revealed over time …