For the exhibition “Container – The Global Box” at the LWL Museum Schiffshebewerk Henrichenburg, kpm3 designed and implemented a temporary exhibition structure using modular container architecture. The building comprises 15 standard shipping containers assembled into a five-story structure – the so-called Global Steps.

This striking construction serves as the central architectural element of the exhibition, which explores the global significance of the shipping container for transport, trade, and society.

kpm3 was responsible for all phases of the project’s architectural realization – from initial design, permitting with local authorities, and project planning to detailed design and supporting the museum workshops during production. The project was led and designed by Michael Kelm, Managing Partner at kpm3.

The structure had to meet a range of requirements, including seamless integration into the existing museum site along the upper water level of the historic ship lift, as well as compliance with technical, safety-related, and curatorial standards. The modular nature of the containers provided a flexible yet striking architectural solution for this special exhibition.

The exhibition’s concept and content were developed and implemented by the museum team at the LWL Museum Schiffshebewerk Henrichenburg.