International Market introduces community oriented culinary infrastructure within the Fruitvale area of South Oakland, CA. Through development of a stacked mid-block condition, small scale stores, kitchens, and community spaces can co-exist on a complex site. By introducing a densified, accessible, and inclusionary food system into the neighborhood, International Market can transform the current food desert into a rich cultural space through cuisine.

A multitude of below-grade, outdoor courtyards create openings for natural light to access all levels of the site. Because the existing walls of the block are incorporated into the architecture, he joint between the northern and southern plots create an organizing force between retail and community spaces. By stacking the interlinked systems of culinary production, this former parking lot can become a Fruitvale neighborhood asset.