The Fold (Market)

Project idea

The original idea of the fold came from the inspiration of Cape Town's most famous mountains, Devils peak, Table Mountain and Lions head. The mountains became a heavy influence in the form and its different levels and angles. I wanted to integrate as much green and brown materials to the design after analyzing and completing the site analysis, the site is located in a mostly public and very green and open stripe on Searle st so that became one of my focus points in designing and choosing materials. The function of the buildings flows and is easy to navigate through.

Project description

This project proposes the design of a Makers Market as a contemporary architectural intervention that supports local production, craft, and small-scale manufacturing. The market is conceived as a flexible, semi-industrial space that accommodates a range of makers, vendors, and visitors, encouraging interaction, exchange, and visibility of the making process itself. The architectural intention is to develop a rational yet expressive structural system based on a steel portal frame, chosen for its capacity to span large areas, allow spatial adaptability, and reflect the productive character of the market. The structural logic is not concealed but articulated as a defining architectural element, shaping the internal organisation, circulation, and rhythm of the building. The portal frame enables open-plan market halls, modular stall arrangements, and future adaptability as the needs of makers evolve. The project challenges the student to integrate structure, materiality, and program, demonstrating an understanding of steel construction principles, load paths, and detailing at an architectural scale. Environmental responsiveness, daylighting, ventilation, and the relationship between interior and exterior market spaces are key considerations. The Makers Market is envisioned not only as a place of commerce, but as a civic and cultural space that celebrates craft, production, and community engagement through architecture.

Technical information

Exploring how to use steel components strategically and understanding how corner junctions are connected using the components.