MMW architects: shipping container art gallery

'GAD' by MMW architects in tjuvholmen, norway
all images courtesy MMW architects
image © eirike førde


'GAD' by oslo-based practice MMW architects is a temporary art gallery constructed out of shipping
containers in tjuvholmen, norway. conceived to be easily disassembled and reassembled in mere days,
the design utilizes the pre-fab nature of the urban material to create a multi-level public facility.



on site
image © eirike førde


extroverted and clear in its construction, the exterior of the gallery is read as a stacked composition of
shipping containers with a substantial cantilever off the base. the main ground floor gallery space consists
of five units that together create one large area. the second level uses three containers to describe a u-shaped
form which wraps around the central courtyard. on the final level, an elevated exhibition space with access
to the roof terrace gallery closes off the square layout.



exterior view
image © eirike førde



street view
image © eirike førde


using the structural soundness of the containers, much of the exposed roof surface of the gallery serves
as outdoor exhibition space. the entrance on the second floor is headed by an unsheltered terrace gallery
which can be accessed by an industrial staircase from the central courtyard. floor-to-ceiling windows
placed at the ends of the containers as well as circular skylights allow the interior to be well lit with
natural daylight.



interior view of third level gallery space
image © eirike førde



main gallery on ground floor
image © eirike førde



roof gallery
image © eirike førde



circular windows
image © eirike førde



image © eirike førde



image © eirike førde



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1





floor plan / level +2



long elevation



long elevation



short elevation



short elevation