Understand today
Our research began by exploring the existing definition of markets. From where the first market was born, its functions and the roles it played in a society, to markets nowadays in London.
"Trade contributes to the definition of the urban image, and the market, in its broader meaning, can be an element of social recognition."
Jordi Portabello, chairman of the Municipal Market Institute of Barcelona, IMMB
From our field study, we were intrigued by a food market located in Crystal Palace, which was run on a non-profit basis. Rather than a stage for commercial activities, it plays a role as the community hub creating values for the community from many aspects including improving human relationship, creating business opportunities, ensuring healthy eating behaviour, enriching shopping experience and preserving cultural Heritage.However, there was only 2% of London's markets were community managed and it is less likely to grow in the future.
"It provides a central hub so people know it’s here every week and so they come here and we provide a meeting place for many people and that gives people a sense of belonging - it feels a bit like a church!"
Karen Jaones - Market manager of Crystal Palace Food Market
At the same time, looking through the future cone, we identified a future in 10 years where Londoners will suffer social isolation, unhealthy eating habits and environmental pollution.
Imagine tomorrow
While seeking opportunities for cope the plausible future where community-led market will be disappearing. We visited a vertical farming site and learned its significant capability to sustain as it requires less resource usage with 60 times more yield of productivity and it is more cost effective. More importantly, it is not a high-tech farming practice that has already been promoted and adopted by Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo.
With the insights collected, we were prepared to run an one-day design hackthon to build upon each one's idea more efficiently.
Design for the future
Forecasting 2030 in London which occurs more urbanisation, social isolation, and solitary eating we provide community hub-market efficiently using an empty place to improve local economy and community cohesion for future Londoners. Sharing Community is a community hub that provides easy joining to the local community by urban farming experience and incubation of urban farming market trader. Unlike nowadays existing market models, we offer contribution experience to the local community in an environment - friendly way.
