London has long been a city of music, but for grassroots musicians, the path to growth is increasingly limited. The infrastructure that once supported early-stage artists is no longer sufficient. Most are left working in hidden and disconnected studios, often located in…
London has long been a city of music, but for grassroots musicians, the path to growth is increasingly limited. The infrastructure that once supported early-stage artists is no longer sufficient. Most are left working in hidden and disconnected studios, often located in overcrowded, inaccessible buildings.
In the recent decades, London’s music venues are experiencing harsh decline. Music venues are shutting down and gentrified. The steady decline of live music venues has stripped away essential platforms for performance and exposure, further intensifying the struggle to grow a career in music.
My project aims to transform Smithfield Market into a musician incubator, aiming to string together the growth path of grassroot musicians to cultivate a sustainable music community. It offers rehearsal and recording facilities, a system of mentorship, performance opportunities, and public engagement. The goal is to restore visibility, community, and support for London’s next generation of musicians. My Hybrid System will utilize a soft folding technique to adapt and intervene the site by folding and morphing the existing structures with continuity and connectivity.
