The Shongweni precinct is an iconic piece of countryside on the western outskirts of eThekwini. The area is defined by a tight-knit equestrian community, a flourishing artisanal food and crafts scene, local events, outdoor activities, adventure sports, historic landmarks, and wildlife conservation. The Barn on The Square establishes itself as the spatial heart of Shongweni’s new Westown Square retail development. In an era marked by the rise of online shopping and social media marketing, the intrinsic social and economic connections historically forged through shared market spaces are being eroded. The Barn on The Square seeks to reinstate the essence of the community market experience as an exciting and authentically local retail destination where people can gather to connect, meet, relax, and enjoy themselves. The Barn on The Square houses an eclectic selection of artisanal arts, crafts, homeware, fashion, and food & beverage outlets. With a strong emphasis on promoting KwaZulu-Natal’s vibrant music, arts, craft, and culinary scenes, The Barn provides a permanent market-like retail space for local artisanal traders. The retail elements inside The Barn are arranged over two main levels: a lower market level and an upper level dedicated to restaurants and bars. The lower level is home to The Market, which consists of a craft market, a coffee shop, a central dining atrium with a stage, and a food market. Designed around the experiential concept of meandering through a traditional high street market, shoppers can explore the streets of the local craft market, grab food from the exciting food market, or sit and enjoy a coffee or drink while watching live performances by local musicians in the atrium.The upper level of The Barn features two locally owned and operated restaurants, a craft brewery, a wine bar, and a wine shop. While each venue offers patrons the opportunity to sample unique artisanal cuisine, they can also soak in the ambiance of The Barn by the central atrium or gaze out over the piazza-like square below.