ARCH 544: Rethinking Metropolis - Institution - Spring 2018
Professor: Tom Brock
Student Team: Pramitha Bale, Ashana Nair

Project Title: Nexus Bridgeport Market

Project Description: The Nexus Bridgeport Neighborhood Market is the central and one of the important points in the site becoming the main connector between the other institutions on the site at the micro level and a connector between the economies of the rural and the urban setting of at the macro level. It is a spectacular building because of the intricate pattern of the roof structure which also in all ways stands true of its name, meaning ‘intricately woven’. 

The market is located at a site with pre-existing complex site conditions with a bioswale dividing the building into three distinct parts creating four plazas and thus making the roof a design intervention to make the whole structure work in unison. Inspired by the logic and working of the traditional bamboo weave from Japan, the roof is made of pattern made out of wooden glulam members covered with roofing membrane on top. 

The ornate details of the roof are balanced by the transparent glass facade on all the sides of the building making the interiors and the exteriors of the institution connected. Adding to the awe of the structure are the four plazas. Each is programmed for various activities and designed as an integral part of the market contributing to the complete experience. This market is not only redefining the traditional market space for today’s era but also a flexible structure to accommodate any program as needed in the next 50 years.