At the core, Mercato Vivo is a marketplace that makes space to prioritise the creatives. The development sits within San Giovanni a Teduccio; a district on the outskirts of Naples that, in recent history, has been overlooked and allowed to fall into decay. Built on the bones of an old steel manufacturing factory, Mercato Vivo reminds the community of their heritage of talented hands and hard work.

This thesis project emerges from an urban design strategy centred around uplifting locals and returning to them what has always been theirs. The scheme offers two primary public spaces. The first is the market hall. Designed with flexibility in mind, it can operate as a vibrant hub of social exchange whilst maintaining an ability to be transformed into an events venue when needed. The second is the gallery; optimised to display work from talented artisans whilst being equipped with moving walls that allow the space to shift in size and configuration, to suit a range of occupants.

Further supporting artisan makers, the development includes temporary accommodation for artists in residence. This enables emerging and passionate creatives to live directly above their studio facilities, fostering a continuous culture of making at all hours.