Canada’s largest shipping container market, designed by LGA Architectural Partners in collaboration with Giant Containers, is made from repurposed shipping containers, stacked and organized together to create a vibrant market area and social hub for the community.
Dubbed ‘Stackt,’ the modular nature of the market means it can be dismantled and moved with ease. This is key to the concept as Stackt is located on a site slated to be converted in the future into a public park. It is thus intended as a temporary development only.
In total, the market comprises 120 shipping containers arranged in grid-like formations to create passageways and open-air courtyards. Primarily one storey and two storey double height spaces, some third storey containers (which contain primarily cultural uses) help to create a more volumetric look.
The containers are painted black, with some decorated with graffiti and other art, and have been heavily modified to include heating and cooling systems, water infrastructure and power. Tenants include a brewery, small businesses and start-ups. Indoor and outdoor event spaces are also provided.
The reasons for the use of shipping containers here are numerous. Firstly, the shipping containers pay homage to the industrial nature of the site, while creating a unique personality for the development. Further to this, the containers can be picked up and moved elsewhere in the future, which is of course key here seeing as the market is temporary.
Janna Levitt, partner at LGA Architectural Partners says of the project and use of shipping containers, ‘As our world becomes more digital, retailers are looking for unique physical spaces and experiential opportunities for their customers. Shipping containers suggest an unusual and immersive retail experience while also offering a practical and sustainable building solution. Their inherent modularity means that the project can be disassembled and deployed elsewhere to create future Stackt developments, while leaving the site unscathed.’
This weekend (September 21 and 22), a festival will be taking place with farmers market activities and specials for visitors to enjoy.
