This project is a testament to the spirit of Cantabrians in rising above post-earthquake adversity to sustain a vital retail heart within the central city. In what is very much a collaborative project, the willingness to see beyond individual property boundaries and establish a community shopping area has resulted in a successful experiment in urban design. The stacking of brightly coloured shipping containers, extending from the site of the major department store to frame courtyards and create pedestrian-friendly lanes, promotes density and vibrancy within the precinct. The arrangement of forms is well considered, providing a pattern that unifies the development while allowing for the individuality of each retailer to be expressed.