UP TOWN MARKET (PROGRES)

BY: BOXMAN

When we bought our first shipping container back in 2008, we had a

hunch that the idea of using intermodal containers for purposes other

than their original intent was going to be big.And over the years weve
learned first-hand just how flexible shipping containers really are. From
pop-up retail to traveling immersion experiences, weve had the privilege
of designing, developing, and deploying containers for use on some
amazing projects for world-renown brands within our Events and Trade
Show divisions. And now were entering new and exciting territory as we
launch the Buildings Division of Boxman Studios.
In dense urban corridors there is a growing need for sustainable, versatile,
and durable architecture. Containerization is already being applied to the
Built Environment in other parts of the world, and were ready to employ
this innovative approach to architecture here in America. Dedicated
exclusively to the Built Environment, our Buildings Division will utilize
decommissioned shipping containers to create permanent and semi-

permanent structures for urban infrastructure. Generally less expensive

than traditional building materials, containers offer a level of scalability
and future valuation that brick-and-mortar doesnt.
So whether youre an architect firm tasked with designing a sustainable
shopping mall, or youre a forward-thinking developer planning to break
ground on a new office space, lets talk about the kinds of amazing things
we can do with shipping containers. We think youll be surprised.

Renderings by Cluck Design Collaborative

San Miguel Market: Traditional Tapas in Madrid

By J. M. Towers

Madrids San Miguel Market is definitely one of a kind. The beautiful iron
building has become a site of cultural interest, a monument that
celebrated its 100th anniversary just a couple of months ago.
Conveniently located in the heart of the Spanish capital, the structure
consists of a ground floor with cast iron support, and a basement for
storage. The harmonious combination of glass and metal allows abundant
natural light to filter in and illuminate the space. The site corresponds to
Madrids first urban enclosure, once surrounded by a wall, whose remains
can still be observed.

The market is an emblematic building, a meeting place for tourists

and Madrileos alike. Besides its fame as an epicurean destination, its call
to fame comes from the quality of its products, its charm, and the careful
presentation and layout of the stalls contained within this sybarite
hangout.
San Miguel brings together merchants, professionals and experts in their
respective fields. It can be though of as a hub of culinary culture, a place
where you can find best products of Spanish cuisine, and enjoy its
traditional tapas: bite-size snacks that can be taken in this splendorous
setting.
Costumers can comfortably sit on tall stools that surround the main
stands. These are filled with Spain's gastronomic treasures: the most
delicious smoked hams, fruits, cheeses, seafood, pastries and other baked
goods; meats, vegetables, French fries prepared in situ, fresh pasta,

scallops, a sushi market, fruit juices, traditional croquettes made with

chicken, mushrooms, Iberian ham and codfish, pickles, a yogurt stand;
another that sells paella, and even a bookstore and souvenir shop. It is
almost impossible not to find a delicious treat for lunch or dinner, even
take out.

Walking through the San Miguel Market is a pleasure for the senses, a
unique place to take in the hustle and bustle, the colors and smells; to get
carried away by sinful cravings, to be tempted by the presentation of the
food and also most suitable for people watching. Here you can share the
essence of Spanish cuisine: the tapas or small portions of food served as
appetizers, made with such creativity and passion that rival the

best haute cuisine.

You can also partake in one of the locals favorite pastimes. Since the
building is located in the center of the oldest part of the city, it is relatively
easy to find yourself eating next to famous writers, poets, actors, athletes
or the celebrity of the moment, the flavor of the day.

Eating tapas at Mercado de San Miguel is akin to breaking the rules. You
are not at a bar: the space is open, has different bars, cafes and stalls,
where you can choose your treats and take them to a table with a good
bottle of wine, beer or soft drink, or even eat at the several wine stores in
the market.
San Miguel is open Sundays through Thursdays until midnight, and Fridays
and Saturdays till two in the morning. It gets packed at dusk, when other
businesses close and bars and pubs start to open their doors. The varied
nighttime options include Pinkelton & Wine, with a great selection of wine

and other spirits; Ostras Sorlut, where you can enjoy delicious oysters,
paired with the finest French champagnes, sitting alongside Madrids
beautiful people. Any time of year is good to visit, but summer brings
out the joie de vivre in visitors as well as merchants.

If you are planning a vacation in Spain, you should, of course, pay a visit
to Madrid. Once there, while strolling its historic streets and squares,
going to the theater or the amazing museums, you will surely run into the
delightful San Miguel Market. It is very easy to find: just steps away from
the impressive Plaza Mayor. I promise you will not be sorry.

(all)zone, Act Naturally installation

The materials used for the construction
concrete and steel are simple and familiar to the city's
local builders. All(zone) designed the greyish structure
with the intention of providing a neutral background for
all the colourful patterns of the stalls and products on
display. As a result, the open-air market embraces the
everyday chaos with carefully considered design
strategies.
Another project where everyday objects are
reinterpreted in a highly creative and refined manner is
the Act Naturallyinstallation that all(zone) realised for Jim
Thompson Farm in Nakhon Ratchasima Province in
Northeast Thailand. The design team was tasked with
defining a temporary "place" for dining in a natural
environment, where people can sense such a special
atmosphere that it makes them want to sit down and
enjoy a meal, while also inducing them to interact and
converse. Nonetheless, the special quality of this place
has been conceived to resonate harmoniously with the
surrounding context without disturbing the serenity and
beauty of nature.

This new structure replaces a previous market that had sprung up

informally to serve workers building Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
The architects worked on the traditional tent roof type, interpreted in a
contemporary key
The project was inspired by the traditional
paper-cut decorations known as Mahot, which are hung
from ceilings during local festivals. These decorations
were adopted as a starting typology for the form of the
structure, which is accordingly something with which
most Thai people are already familiar. However, rather
than being used for their customary ornamental
purposes, their scasle was enlarged as a means to define
the space. The thin, lightweight fabrics in different

colours were selected as the material, and all(zone)

conducted extensive experimentation in order to identify
the new geometrya, cutting pattern and most suitable
weight.
Their research has resulted in a simple yet lively design,
with a distinctive structure that moves in unison with the
breeze and plays with the light. Everything is
harmonious, unique and special. Despite its vernacular
appearance the project feels contemporary, standing out
without having to make loud or bold statements. It is a
crystallisation of ideas, the result of hard, serious and
fun collaborative interaction among all the members of
the all(zone) design team. And the outcome is a
manageable form of local and global chaos, so simple
yet well thought-out, transmitting great intensity with
remarkably subtlety. Supitcha Tovivich, Architectural
lecturer at Silpakorn University, Bangkok

Form and structure coincide in the markets design to generate a single

element: a space where natural lighting and ventilation are enhanced by
openings and skylights. Painted in a uniform grey colour, the new
structure offers a neutral backdrop that contrasts with the bright colours
of the merchandise

Beda Amuli's Kariakoo market

Kariakoo market is located in the citys Kariakoo Neighborhood, at the intersection of

Mkunguni and Nyamwezi Streets.
The building was Completed in 1974, and it was designed by Beda Amuli, the first east
African to start private architectural practice in 1969. He was commissioned by city council
to design a new market in the heart of Kariakoo in early 1970.

Talking on the project brief, the client (city council) had no idea what they wanted; but
since he (Beda Amuli) had done some researches on market when he was studying
architecture in Israel , he had a clear vision on what should be built. And the result speaks for
itself; the building satisfied the users.
Beda Amuli wanted to design a real African market, so the concept was developed from
traditional African markets. an African market is normally under trees, so we made trees out
of concrete said Beda Amuli.

The market is rectangular box with parabolic hyperbola roof structure made up of concrete,
the roof of the building is something that creates the illusion of trees. The concrete trees are
seen clearly from both, inside and outside.

inside Kariakoo market

The roof structure helps in air circulation since it allows air to flow in and out easily
through cross ventilation and stack effect. The structure has no finishing to its concrete roof,
so the building is real and pure.

The market has two stories and one basement, for which all are used for market activities.
The building has one main entrance and other two alternative entrances at the back side. The
delivery entrance to the basement is located in another street.

main entrance to the market

The stairs to the upper floor are located at the centre of the market, so it is easy to circulate
vertically from any point of the building. The cubes for businesses are arranged in a grid
layout, so that the organization is easy.
The market is really public from the inside-out. There are concrete benches to the exterior
which surround the market for people to rest and car parking.

CENTRAL MARKET
Carrying on down Norodom Boulevard for about 20 minutes, I
arrived at my second destination of the day, Phnom Penhs
Central Market. This centre for commerce is well-regarded for its

art deco architecture; indeed, even if you have no plans to

purchase anything (though you likely will, given the irresistible
prices), it is worth visiting to experience the awe-inspiring
aesthetic and feel of this 80+ year old structure.

The exterior of the Central Market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Amidst an unbeatable atmosphere compared to other markets in the city,

jewelery brokers conduct their sbusiness to locals and tourists alike.

The cavernous dome of the Central Market combines with the sunny
yellow paint on the concrete to create a feeling of wonder and amazement
that will captivate anyone. Even if you are loath to deal with touts and
aggressive salespeople, brave the crowds to see this unmissable sight in
Phnom Penh!
There are several more posts on the sights of Phnom Penh still
forthcoming, so those who are reading this post intently in order to gather
sightseeing ideas that diverge from the depressing mainstays of S-21 and
the Killing Fields, stay tuned, as there is plenty more to come soon!

St. Jacobs Farmers Market

St. Jacobs Farmers Market renovation

Dekalb market store shipping containers brooklyn