The new trend of sustainability has taken over
all around the globe including Christchurch, New Zealand.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Start - Christchurch, New Zealand
4:11 PM
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By Nancy Waldron & Crystal Ramirez
On February 22, 2011 the Cashel Street City Mall
was destroyed by a large earthquake killing 181 people and damaging the heart of
the city. Less than a year later a new ‘pop up’ mall was brought to life. It’s
not allowed to be called a pop up mall because some developers in London got
nervous about Canterbury using the term, so it is considered an outdoor shopping
center. The vivid colors of the stacked storage shipping containers includes a
grocery store, fashion apparel retailers, bookstore, electronic stores, cafes
and specialty stores as part of the City Mall Re:START project. While current
demolitions take place on the surrounding unsafe buildings, the sustainable
shopping mall brings together the people in the downtown area. With its visual
interests Re:START offers a bit of normalcy to the local New Zealanders and the
visitors that travel to take in what Christchurch has to offer. The use of
bright colors, sculptures and plant arrangements brought life back to the city.
Colors of the buildings were a huge influence because they wanted the people to
feel in high spirits as the city is trying to rebuild from the horrific
disaster. All 27 stores are built out of sustainable storage containers causing
a very ecofriendly contemporary look. As well as the shipping containers being
sustainable, they are also durable and safe. If another earthquake were to occur
it is best to stay where you are instead of evacuating. The designers of this
project for the interiors went with an eco-eclectic theme; from concrete floors
to recycled glass windows which gave Christchurch some edge. The choices of
materials were successful for the purpose of this project. With time management
and budgeting, the storage containers caused a popular trend in architecture.
The designers that were involved in the City Mall Re:START project used their
talents and intelligence to figure a way to create an environment
having a sustainable, affordable, uplifting and quick development center
for the people to enjoy.
When Visiting New Zealand we wanted to check out
this ‘pop up” mall for two reasons, One because we have major
shopping addictions and love to shop and two because of the tragic tail that
surrounds it. When visiting Re:START, the first thing you notice is the big
bright storage containers that are double stacked into what looks like two
separate horseshoes. What also caught our attention was during our shopping
experience there was live performers and entertainment through the centers.
Everyone seemed so happy; the ‘pop up’ mall had a very energetic vibe and felt
like home. Even though the center was a very simple design, it had a very artsy
feel to it. Every store had its own unique vibe and would stand out from each
other’s space. We really enjoyed one of the specialty stores because of the
unique handmade items from local artisans in the area. It felt like you could be
in a tangible etsy shop. Our experience was one of a kind and hard to forget. It
truly is amazing to see how much the people in the city (as well as the country)
supported one another, give hope and uplift those that come through their city
with this project.
Resources for pictures:
Photo Credit: Professional Photographer Joe
Harrison
Articles cited:
http://www.restart.org.nz/christchurch-restart-village-take-a-look.php
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10 comments:
What a fun shopping center! They are building one in Vegas soon and it is very exciting to see shopping centers pop up that are out of the average.
OMG...the containers above the shop are so amazing, so beautiful. I think I saw this idea from elsewhere. It's so interesting to see such an amazing idea come around. Love the colors of those containers.
what a simple and clever design idea! fun place to shop.
excellent choice! I think we will see more and more of this sustainable design as we approach a new era of renew, reuse, and recycle. love this new design evolution!
i love when a place has a meaningful backstory...RIP to those 181
It reminds me of the shopping centers in Costa Mesa: The Lab and The Camp. Definitely a place I'd like to visit.
It's so great to see something with positive energy come from a tragedy. It looks like the designers took this as an opportunity to bring a new vibe to the city. An excellent colorful, industrial look.
would recommend this to my mom!
very intresting idea , i like the colors & the shapes of design so smart & modern look
It's ironic how something so un-individualistic such as a shipping crate can become something so unique amongst its fellow crates! Love the idea!
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