The primary focus of this design is to create a hybrid food and entertainment, social space for the city of Mestre, a town located just outside of Venice, on mainland Italy. 

 

The idea was to create not only a central hub, but also a sense of identity. Transforming an anonymous city, forever in the shadow of Venice, into a vibrant, modern centre. The space shines a shard of light on Mestre by celebrating its eclectic culture and agriculture.

 

The triangular elevated shard structure is sympathetic to the city grid of Mestre; angled to align perfectly to the surrounding streets and integrating the river into the heart of the design. Each street level entrance is carefully considered, invitingly guiding residents and visitors into the structure through narrow planes, which then open up to reveal a dramatic central open space.

 

The space accommodates the local fruit and vegetable market and fuses it with an outdoor music festival venue. The structure contains separate spaces for not only local vendors but also performance spaces for local artists. Creating a melting pot of agriculture and culture.