“Magic Carpet” Exhibit Hangs 36 Shipping Containers Over Guests’ Heads at Pier 57

As <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/new-pier-57-incubox-shipping-container-mall-set-to-open-next-april-in-nyc/" target="_blank">Pier 57 starts its transformation</a> into a new waterfront hotspot, the interim space is already being used for an array of events and art exhibitions. Currently on display, “Magic Carpet” by <a href="http://www.chqs.net/" target="_blank">CHURTICHAGA + QUADRA-SALCEDO</a> is a hanging “garden” of 36 brightly colored shipping containers along the ceiling of the pier's main structure. Inspired by both the area's architectural history and future plans (the pier is being turned into a mall made of shipping containers), the installation <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/transported-transforms-shipping-containers-into-green-walled-artist-habitats-in-nyc-photos/" target="_blank">transforms the utilitarian cargo holders</a> into hanging sculptures suspended ten feet from the ground over visitors’ heads.

When visitors enter Pier 57’s South Head House, they are greeted with several pioneer <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/lot-ek’s-pier-57-re-design-unveiled-at-diane-von-furstenbergs-nyc-store/" target="_blank">“Incubox” retail and food stands</a>, which have taken residence in shipping containers.

Beyond the market is an expansive space now used for leisurely games of table tennis, each table set upon the floor decorated with murals by local artists, which gives way to the waterfront.

Above the leisure area, Magic Carpet hangs like a patterned patchwork- only made of heavy shipping containers.

Each of the 36 <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/south-street-seaport-shipping-container-beer-garden-smorgasbar-and-shops-are-now-open-for-business/" target="_blank">shipping containers</a> used in the installation, designed by head architect Josemaria de Churtichaga, will soon house one of the future retail, food or cultural shops that will enliven the Pier.

With the exciting future of the pier in mind, the Magic Carpet installation is a direct representation of what is to come.

Each shipping container is a shell that can hold endless possibilities, on the whim of the desires of the future tenant, or what the public demands.

The colorful boxes seem to hang weightlessly, a dangling invitation to innovators to transform the pier into something truly spectacular.

Over the next 18 months, the pier will be renovated by <a href="http://www.iyoungwoo.com/" target="_blank">Young Woo &amp; Associates</a>, with more programming, events and art installations joining the retail, food and cultural shops starting to sprout up there.

A good place for a fierce table tennis competition.

Shops like Grey Area have already popped up.

The floors have been painted by artists.

The shipping containers hang just ten feet above the floor.

Visitors can relax on the waterfront under umbrellas.