PRECIOUS CARGO
Steel containers are being used to create shipshape indoor-outdoor markets.
Where In 2018, a vacant lot in central Prague was transformed from derelict to hip thanks to 27 shipping containers. Manifesto Market taps into the Czech capital’s growing international culinary scene, housing more than 20 food stalls: Snack on mini pancakes topped with matcha cream, sit down to barbeque ribs or sip a grilled pineapple piña colada. Why “Shipping container developments can be easily set up and dismantled with minimal intervention on the land,” says Matt Rubinoff, founder of Stackt, a Toronto container market set to open this spring at Front and Bathurst streets. “Plus, the space becomes ever-evolving, as it can accommodate different programming, events or tenants.” At Stackt, tenants will include Toronto designer Ellie Mae, local coffee roaster Reunion Island, Hamilton’s Donut Monster and more. Where else For a mega market experience, explore Brisbane’s Eat Street Northshore: Made up of 180 containers, it has more than 70 food and drink vendors and live music on three stages. And at Detroit Shipping Company in Cass Corridor, come to see the latest exhibits in two on-site galleries, and stay for a pint of Brew Detroit’s Yum-Town lager.