Located in the city of London, the site for the project is the Grade II listed Smithfield’s meat market. The grade II building not only holds a significant historical value, but it is equally well connected to the entirety of London, and it is situated within a very diverse and vibrant context. The surrounding area is defined by the lively nature of the district, with restaurants, cafés and pubs surrounding it. The proposal thus takes advantage of the social context by integrating these key features and characteristics accordingly.
The project takes an approached base on heritage conservation in order to retain as much of the existing structure as possible. The proposal explores this approach not as a constraint but rather an opportunity to create an architectural intervention that combines old and new in harmony, thereby celebrating the existing side-by-side with the new. The design proposes an adaptation of the existing building by keeping the original Victorian structure, while stripping all recent design additions respectively; the removal of modern additions to the market buildings, such as the loading bays, canopy, cold rooms and office spaces, aim to reveal the original Victorian cast-iron structure. As a result, large, clear areas are created under the oversailing roof that is then adapted to accommodate the proposed theatres, event spaces and retail facilities.

Overall, the project aims is to shift the narrative of the historic Victorian Smithfield market in order to become part of the already thriving cultural Centre for London, sitting together with the Museum of London, the Barbican and the local businesses.