Shipping Container Music Installation Revealed

BDP has partnered with the Manchester International Festival (MIF) to design Music Boxes - a musical playground designed for children up to 7 years.

A mini city of shipping containers will be constructed at MediaCityUK in Salford Quays, the new home of Children’s BBC. Made out of 78 units, the containers will be stacked up to three high in an irregular pattern to create an elliptical, enveloping shape.

Studio Chairman Gavin Elliott said of the project: “We’re delighted to be working with MIF on such a playful and creative project which will resonate both literally and figuratively within its surroundings. We’ve sought to ensure that the design captures the spirit of the shipping container as the ubiquitous tool of world trade and a true 20th century icon.

“We also wanted to reflect both the industrial heritage of Salford Quays and the next chapter of its regeneration, which will see working docks return to the area some thirty years after the last ones closed.”

Festival Director Alex Poots said of Music Boxes: “We're committed to making high quality work for children, an area which can often be undervalued. We're pleased to be collaborating with these fantastic artists, the BBC, Salford City Council and BDP on such an exciting, ambitious project.”

Once installed  some containers will become miniature performance spaces, some will be specially customised recording and animation studios, while others will be kitted out as interactive installations allowing the very young to explore a fantastical world of sound and music.

Free tickets are available from 1 June via www.mif.co.uk.