School of Architecture

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Breaking Cycles, Building Connections: Rethinking Market Edges in Abidjan for Sustainable Urban Transformation
(2024-04-17) Ndoumy-Kouakou, Isabelle Nora; Colman, Scott; Finley, Dawn; Jimenez, Carlos
My thesis focuses on markets in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, specifically the reworking of the edges of the Marché de Marcory to better serve the market, its people, and the city as a whole. The different elements comprising this new edge can be implemented in other markets throughout the city to reconfigure their edges as well. The ground floor of this new edge is dedicated to the market, incorporating infrastructure such as storage, sinks, and refrigeration spaces to support the day-to-day activities of the market. The first floor is dedicated to the women of the market and their children. Since the markets are predominantly run by women, and unfortunately, many of them lack formal education, they often enter a cycle from a young age. Initially brought to the market by their mothers, who are working there, they gradually assume more responsibilities and eventually take over their mothers’ stalls. This perpetuates a challenging cycle, making it difficult for them to break free as they, too, end up having their own children.