Thinking inside the box 2: Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens

VISI’s deputy editor Annemarie Meintjes invited 10 architects to explore the concept of container architecture in a South African context. We’re publishing the results in our Thinking Inside the Box feature.

Here’s the second solution, Containa® by Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, which is a digital game for those who want to design their own homes, or for architects seeking design solutions. Never before has the planning of architectural spaces been so easy – or so much fun.

Container Concept

Over the years many simple games such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Tetris and Rubik’s Cube have achieved iconic status as pastimes among people with widely varying abilities. Containa® allows one to digitally throw “blocks” to form a template that can be turned into a building by using a library of standard components such as swimming pools, living and dining rooms, and spa and wet rooms.

The game (apparently popular with both Bill Gates and Pamela Anderson!) offers solutions to urban and low-cost housing problems, and even ready-made spaces that can simply be altered with decor features. The game is available in various models (with different difficulty gradings): Containa® (for all levels), Containa® MBA (for MBA students in need of creative inspiration), Containa® Relax (for anyone who feels like taking a breather), Containa® Architect (a course for students) and Containa® Artistique for those who want to design their own building components.

Company Profile

Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens are well known for their ‘hand-crafted haute couture’ approach and the award-winning eco-tourism lodges they have designed all over Africa. Most projects also include the development of skills in local communities, as well as the use of local artisans.

011 486 1525, 082 900 9935, adventarch@mweb.co.za

See more VISI articles about container architecture here.