Mercatura Newark: The Trading Museum
Architecture: BArch
Pei-Ling Tung
linktree:
email:
Atelier 01: Cabinet of Curiosities
Project
Mercatura Newark is a museum dedicated to the town’s layered trading heritage, from Anglo-Saxon roots and medieval markets to industrial and contemporary commerce. Positioned beside the River Trent, the project creates a bridge between Newark’s past and its evolving civic identity. The museum offers hands-on workshops—such as minting and weaving—led by local artisans, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and supporting intergenerational learning and community engagement. Site planning addresses accessibility, flooding, and integration with nearby heritage sites.
Project
The architecture employs cross-laminated timber for a low-carbon, renewable structure, paired with passive design strategies to harness natural light and ventilation. Green buffers and ecological interventions promote biodiversity and comfort, while the open civic courtyard becomes a flexible platform for events and cultural exchange. By embedding sustainability, fostering public participation, and nurturing biodiversity, Mercatura Newark is not just a museum—it is a catalyst for connection, learning, and the ongoing evolution of Newark’s social and economic life.
