Following on from my work in first term, that through an exploration into the act and consequences of graffiti, resulted in the creation of a device that made a spectacle out of the usually secretive act of graffiti itself. I am carrying my interest in this subject through to my second term work, with my design proposal of a market that provides the canvas for the graffiti artists, adjacent to the main building that will house the studio and living spaces for the artists.

Within our given area of Valley Gardens in Brighton, my designated residual space of wedges is located behind St. Georges Mews. It is relatively neglected area used as a car park by the residence and workers of the buildings that form the perimeter of the site. The area is currently somewhat lifeless, making it the ideal space for the hidden act of graffiti to be performed, the result being that it is veiled in layers of graffiti. However, as the main purpose of graffiti is mass communication, I am proposing the introduction of a graffiti community that will make use of a market as their canvas on the site.

The design will take into account the current use of the site, allowing the upper half of the wedge to remain as a car park, albeit slightly more organised, and consequently more efficient. As well as mapping out direct routes in the paths of the market to the entrances of the existing buildings. The market, that will occupy the main body of the site, will be for the use of the general public on a daily basis. The frame of the market stalls will be for the use of the graffiti artists come nightfall, providing them with ample space for expression through their art. It will then also be on display to the public in a less formal setting than art gallery, that many believe to contradict the nature of graffiti culture. In addition to this market area there will also be a main building that will provide studio spaces for the graffiti artists to work, as well short-term accommodation. There will also be a small gallery space to exhibit photography of the graffiti work, as agreed to by the artist. This building, with the exception of the gallery area will remain private, for use solely by the artists. There will be a walkway leading off of one of the balconies that will provide additional graffiti surfaces, and lead down to the heart of the market, forming social areas for people to gather. The entirety of the proposal will create an informal and continually evolving artist in residence system, with the canvas being the architecture itself.