Framework
Location Markham, ON, Canada
Program Market
Course 1B Building Const. (Winter 2021)
Supervisors Justin Forrest Breg & Cam Parkin
Collaborators Danny Pang & Naya Sanchez
With an increasing population of various diasporas and nearly 80% of inhabitants identifying as visible minorities, Markham is quickly becoming a hub of rising immigrants and entrepreneurs. This has instigated rapid urbanization within the city, particularly in the downtown area. However, while current development ambitiously addresses sustainable and economic growth, it neglects Markham’s rich cultural history. Framework is a market located in downtown Markham, aiming to highlight the immense role that culture plays within the city. Drawing inspiration from the scale and atmosphere of various traditional street markets, it is a place where Markham residents can showcase their small businesses, gather, and keep culture at the epicenter of the city. A system of steel modules containing multiple voids provides a framework for the display of several metal screens and textural fabrics. This creates a mosaic that is reflective of the city’s existing and growing cultural and urban identity.
A single structure of galvanized steel with different patterns of galvanized metal screens and a combination of PVC mesh fabric, outdoor fabric and fabric handwoven by members in the community is repeated at different scales throughout the structure. While the front is large and open, as one moves towards the stage, the space becomes more intimate. Much care was taken into account to ensure all modules are constructed carefully and deliberately, as shown above.
