Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Program: Market, restaurant, urban farm
Client: Moyo and V&A Waterfront
Contractor: Cool Maintenance
Engineer: Adema Structural Consultancy
Status: completed
Area: 3500sqm

The Story of Food

The combination of a market and a restaurant presented a unique opportunity to tell the story of food across its full cycle — from growth and harvest, to trade and preparation, through to consumption and back to the earth. This narrative allowed us to weave in ideas of food security, urban farming, and sustainable technology, giving the project a depth of meaning that goes far beyond the dining experience itself.

Design Concept

At the intersection of architecture and agriculture, the project weaves together three key elements strategically placed on the Clock Tower Plaza, adjacent to the new Moyo Restaurant.

Market Arcade

Drawing inspiration from the bustling souks of Africa, a dramatic arcade structure is covered by an array of solar panels that power the market stalls below, while simultaneously shading the traders and visitors from the sun above.

Market Stalls

The market stalls are composed of a cluster of prefabricated modular units, designed to be flexible and adaptable to the individual needs of each tenant.

Urban Farm

The specially designed aquaponic farm completes the cycle, supplying fresh produce and fish directly to both the restaurant and the market — bringing the story of food full circle on a single site.