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Steven Vidovic and Kristina Taranto’s design was selected as the winner of a competition looking for a ‘green theme’ – and they succeeded with a design that is largely made from cast-off materials. Shipping containers will divide spaces within the vacant car lot to create room for a bar, a music scene, an outdoor cinema, and of course shopping. Furniture is mobile for different uses and made from discarded wire spools, tires, barrels, and milk crates – setting up a kind of impromptu environment.

Vidovic and Taranto set the shipping containers at various angles around the lot, and a stack at the front entrance two high creates a gate and signage while providing an overlook on the scene. Stacks and stacks of milk crates along the brick wall spell out the market’s name while creating walls that double as signage for the storefronts.

Quirky trees made from scrap wood deck the open space, asking folks to add a picture or comment to them – they’ll serve as an active community bulletin board. Real trees and flowers are placed in cut barrels. Plants on the roofs of the containers cascade down the sides, creating a cheerful atmosphere while keeping the stores cool. Rain catchment helps keep the plants green. The containers will even be treated with graffiti – a popular and active part of the Melbourne scene.

After the sun drops the market is designed to turn into a music venue or theater, doubling the use of the space and engaging all of the city’s occupants. The beer garden will be open noon until ‘late’.

+ Peoples Market and Flea