Contemporary Market Architecture

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Markets–Past, Present, and Future

by Neil Tomlinson, Founder, Neil Tomlinson Architects Neil Tomlinson was Project Architect for London’s famous Borough Market regeneration. His practice is currently responsible for the masterplan of New Covent Garden Market, the UK capital’s foremost fruit and vegetable wholesale market.

working harmoniously with other market centers nearby to avoid date clashes.

The dominance of the market, certainly in Europe,

finally started to decline from the mid-16th century, as permanent shops provided customers with

more stable trading hours. In addition, the rise of The public market is the world’s oldest retail trading

a merchant class led to the import and export of a

of surplus produce, once agriculture had changed

to a reduced reliance on local produce. As a retail

animals became domesticated and crops harvested,

to survive not only the advent of the permanent

but, climate and weather willing, extra produce too

street, of the supermarket, the shopping mall and the

became an important feature of rural life. At the same

years, the online revolution. Each new development

community life; places where people would meet

market, with smaller traders often unable to compete

format. Its ancient origins lie in the sale or barter

broad range of goods from further afield, contributing

society’s basic hunter-and-gatherer pattern. After

format, however, markets went on over the centuries

there was not only food for the farmer’s household,

shop, but the development of the town center high

for trade. Market towns, once established, quickly

out-of-town hypermarket, as well as, in more recent

time, they also became vital centers of social and

nonetheless dealt a major blow to the traditional

and exchange not only goods, but information and

with or benefit from similar economies of scale.

stories, too. In Britain, the central square or gathering

places in many towns is still called the ‘marketplace,’ whilst many towns have the word ‘market’ as part of their name: Market Drayton or Market Harborough, for example.

The arrival of the supermarket in particular affected both food consumption and buying habits. Fresh

produce and environments that promoted a closeknit social fabric were traded for convenience and formal, less-engaging human relationships. On

The primary purpose of a market town was to

weekends, busy householders drove to a food

locality and they increased rapidly in number from

supermarkets began to disguise themselves as

thanks to a more urbanized society and the

or even dressing employees in period clothing,

Historically, they often grew up close to fortified

the market did not go away. Supermarkets even

order to enjoy their protection, but also because

mini fish and meat markets as well as bakeries,

for their goods. Markets seemed to exist for the

general produce.

provide goods and services to the surrounding

store to stock up for the week. Eventually, some

the 12th century onwards, right across Europe,

markets by changing the way produce was displayed

widespread introduction of a cash-based economy.

because consumer nostalgia for the immediacy of

places, such as castles or monasteries, not only in

began to emulate old-fashioned markets by offering

large-scale households generated regular demand

in addition tothe usual aisles of canned food and

benefit of all, attracting crowds and generating

regular revenues, which in turn made them attractive to administrators and rulers, who recognized their capacity for generating taxes to pay, for example,

for a town’s defenses. Success brought control and regulation, so that markets soon became officially

permitted events on set days and in set places, often

However, the market most certainly did not

disappear as a result and is still very much with us

— not only for today, but for the foreseeable future because no other format could truly reproduce

what the market offers. Human beings are social

creatures. They enjoy leaving home and benefitting

from the social contact shopping offers and they like

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to browse, graze, touch, feel, and test what they are

Markets have even found fans at the most

is not the only powerful factor at work here. The

fascinating addition to London’s fashion high-

going to buy. Convenience, although a major driver, market format also allows people to talk directly to the people who produce food. As food production

becomes increasingly industrialized and food retail

increasingly depersonalized, this intimate relationship is more and more valuable.

Markets are not only for retail, of course. After the

industrial revolution, the shift to wholesale allowed for the creation of permanent trade markets,

enabling reliable, consistent supply thanks to large-

sophisticated levels of contemporary retail. One end retail market in 2004 (with sibling outlets

subsequently opening in Tokyo and New York) was Rei Kawabuko and Adrian Joffe’s ‘Dover Street

Market’ in Mayfair. A step away and at the same time a world away from the luxury of nearby Bond Street, the specialist fashion market offers an anti-luxury

environment of poured concrete, bare ceilings, and eclectic fittings, along with an anti-luxury ethos of mixing high and low-end brands.

scale mechanical production and train links that

In recent times, farmers’ markets have also seen a

greater distances. The infrastructure for such

lower prices, a direct exchange with the grower, as

enabled agricultural produce to be transported

markets also was at a larger scale, from hanger-like warehouse spaces with low-level racking for forklift

trucks, to external roads and loading bays linking to surrounding transport infrastructure. This ensured

efficient logistics for the market to process, prepare and ship bulk goods in the small window of time

during the early morning hours that ensured end-

user customers had food in time for preparation to serve their paying customers.

In addition, markets are not only for food and drink produce either. Whilst both retail and wholesale

markets have survived for so long by being flexible and responsive, as well as majoring on their social

resurgence, answering the demand for freshness,

well as responding to a certain consumer nostalgia.

Their contribution to local economies is of high value, as they lead to spending in nearby shops, generating further tax revenue. The increased popularity of

farmers’ markets also contributes to the sustainability of communities. Local growers are supported and

food does not travel from afar, so that emission levels

are reduced. Produce to be sold directly by the grower does not have to be chemically treated to increase its shelf life, which improves overall public health.

Farmers’ markets create jobs, build new businesses, strengthen and diversify regional agriculture, and elevate farm profitability.

and accessible aspects, the market principle of

When it comes to market architecture, contemporary

place can also be seen in many enduring offshoot

markets as essential pieces of public realm

a group of specialist retailers gathering in one

markets: flea markets, antique markets, flower

markets, even the stock exchanges of most great cities. The lessons of market trading for retailers

are legion. Where else can you get to know your

customer better than to interact with them directly

on a regular, face-to-face basis and get to know their likes, dislikes, preferences, and frustrations? Many high street shops, brands and individuals started their commercial ventures in markets. Famous

examples in the UK include Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Poundland, and French Connection.

markets demand efficient designs that can integrate space into diverse and mixed-use areas. Urban environments are made up of land uses whose

primary function is to support basic human needs.

Architecturally, in addition to trading space, a market needs to facilitate engagement with communities

and provide space for meetings and the exchange of information, as well as respecting health, safety and hygiene requirements, and the need for sustainable

food waste processing systems. Markets also need to engage with high-density urban living and create a lively commercial and residential mix, as well as

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evolving in response to a key trend: combining food vending and dining in the same location.

This new book will look at the latest developments

in market design across the globe, bringing readers up to date with the latest developments and

demonstrating ideas, projects and visions that will offer not only information, but inspiration too. The

book is in three parts, starting with a planning guide

and excerpts from three actual implementation plans.

It then goes on to focus on the best contemporary

market architecture design case studies from around the world.

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Public Market Design in the New Era

by Valentí Àlvarez Planas, Founder, ARQUITACTÚA Valentí Àlvarez Planas studied architecture at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Spain and graduated in 1999. He specializes in commercial architectural design, such as shopping malls, supermarkets, and markets.

Since the 1970s, the traditional market model has

been losing importance as a social and commercial center, due to the rise of large shopping centers and supermarkets, which not only offer similar

services but also heterogeneous activities, such

as large clothing and technology stores, cinemas,

restaurants, and so on. There is no doubt that these new commercial formulas have gained a significant market share and led to a reduction in investment

different activities related or not with food can be

made, such as community centers, training centers, and exhibition halls,… all of which enhance and

improve the relationship between the market and the neighborhood where it is located.

It should also be noted how the markets located in tourist areas have been able to take on that

role and even be another attraction for visitors to the city. Markets described in this book, such as

Torvehallerne in Copenhagen, Markthal Rotterdam, or Santa Caterina Market in Barcelona, are clear

examples of public markets that are attractive to

tourists, not only in terms of the products, but also as a landmark space of the city.

in public markets. However, during the last two

The design of public market largely obeys the

great value of social cohesion that a public market

account a series of fundamental aspects that start

markets. Nowadays, apart from offering traditional

when a market is planned is to design a good

variety of services in order to face an increasingly

and typology of stores must be defined, as well as

decades, merchants and councils have realized the

functionality of the whole. It is crucial to take into

has within a community, leading to a revival of

with Defining a good layout.One of the key steps

products, markets tend to incorporate a wide

commercial mix or layout, in which the number, size,

competitive and changing environment.

its approximate position within the building. It is

One of the most widely used actions lately

the central focus and what are their complementary

to revitalize the traditional market model is to

incorporate a supermarket as a complementary

business model to the existing commercial services.

It is well proven that this basic commercial mix

generates important benefits for businesses and increases sales, not only within the building, but

also in the surrounding stores. Besides, inspired

by the gourmets of the large shopping centers that have emerged over the last decades, new market models increasingly incorporate restaurants in

their commercial corridors. Yet, this ‘new’ typology is reinterpreted and redefined with the aim of

convincing the client the freshness and quality of the goods. Some offer the possibility of cooking

and tasting the products sold directly in the market itself. Another new idea that is spreading strongly, especially during this last decade, is the concept of the market as a socio-cultural center where

vital to be clear about what types of business are

uses in order to achieve good social and commercial dynamics. It is recommended that the definition of the layout be made jointly with the neighbors and local merchants so that the development

gets as much support as possible. After defining

an appropriate layout, the next step is to find the

right location. It is fundamental to choose a good

location within the urban fabric. Issues such as the relationship with access roads for trucks, public spaces, and population densities, are important

factors when deciding the best location. Once a proper location has been decide, the operating scheme must be defined. The architectural

configuration of the building can be defined starting

with the establishment of customer and merchandise accesses as well as the interior circulations and the distribution of uses. For this reason, it is important that the main entrances are located in front of the

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most important outdoor spaces and that easy and comfortable truck accesses are designed.

In addition to the above, the architects should take good advantage of architectural language. Many

markets have all kinds of roof openings or skylights located or combined between structural trusses,

usually metallic, to provide the best natural lighting

conditions. Moreover, a marketspace should express itself through an architectural form that is attractive,

friendly, and integrated with its environment. Finally, the visual relationship between the exterior and the

interior —the way in which the market appears to its immediate surroundings — should be considered.

That is why many markets incorporate large windows or glazed surfaces as a way to efficiently display a variety of products offered inside.

This book is intended to give an overview of the

complexity and characteristics that must be taken

into account when designing a new market or\when reforming an existing one. The book is structured

into three chapters. Chapter one illustrates in more

detail the factors that should be taken into account for designing a successful market, from purely

logistical issues to issues related to the business

model or definition of the ideal lay-out. Chapter two contains three market planning schemes showing what should be done in the preparation phase, such as a commercial analysis of the area, the

type of clients, the organizational and functional

scheme, as well as the architectural concept of the building and its relationship with the city. Chapter

three selects a wide selection of markets worldwide

representing different typologies, including renovated historic buildings, such as Klauzal and Malmö,

and completely new markets, such as Manlleu and Bali Station. This chapter also describes open-air

markets, such as Celje, markets with an important artistic component, such as Santa Caterina and

Rotterdam, markets built using traditional materials, such as Yushura, and markets where technology plays an integralrole, lsuch as Bursa.

Public markets in the future will be much more versatile and changing, allowing for easily

redistribution and reorganization to meet new needs.

It is essential that the architecture and constructive processes that arise in the future are capable of

giving an effective response to a society that evolves ever faster. Construction using dry and modular

systems will gain weight compared to traditional systems in situ.

Public markets will also be much more complex enclosures that house a greater variety of uses,

services, and products as a formula for competing

with the other social and commercial offerings in the

surrounding area. Human societies are becoming more and more complex with a growing mix of cultures that increases the variety of services and products. This

phenomenon is reflected in any urban area, and public markets must be able to offer any type of product so as not to lose importance within the social fabric.

It is key to take into account the new consumption habits derived from the growing use of new

technologies and social networks. The way in which merchants advertise their services and the way in

which consumers look for the products they need will

greatly change commercial spaces, making them much closer and offering increasingly personal products.

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Chapter 1

Public Market Planning and Design Strategies

by Project by Public Spaces (PPS) Projects for Public Spaces (PPS) is a nonprofit organization that helps people create and sustain public spaces that build strong communities.

For most market infrastructures, no matter what scale they are and what budget they have, their planning

and design involve many factors, the most fundamental of which is the size and use of selling space and its

relationship to traffic circulation and parking. In this chapter, we will briefly review these issues (for designers to identify the steps they will take during the design process), which include: The factors that influence market planning and design; The ‘accommodation brief,’ listing all the market development requirements; Design approach and options; The site location and planning strategy; Utilization of space in markets; The market master plan; Summary of design issues to be included in the accommodation brief.

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Baltic Station Market Location: Tallinn, Estonia Area: 269,097 square feet (25,000 square meters) Completion: 2017 Architect: KOKO Architects Photography: TonuTunnel Client: Astri Kinnisvara OÜ

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The Baltic Station market is located in north Tallinn between the city’s main railway station and the popular

residential district of Kalamaja. Since 1993, the nostalgic market, famous for offering exotic post-Soviet experiences, especially for tourists, was quite the attraction with its colorful selection of merchandise. In addition to reasonably priced groceries, visitors could find anything, from Soviet-era vintage clothing, everyday items and toys to used

sanitary fittings, tools, and plumbing equipment. The second-hand stalls were a goldmine for vintage clothing and music fans.

At the beginning of 2016, the market closed for renovations. In order not to lose the vibe of the market place and

avoid upsetting the vendors and everyday customers, the developer offered a solution by moving the market to the neighboring plot.

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The aim of the reconstruction design was to create a contemporary and diverse market, while also preserving the

historic character of the market with its hustle and bustle and chaotic nature. The architects added to what already exists so that it would attract as many target groups as possible: rail passengers, local residents, young people, tourists, and everyone else who happen to be in the vicinity of the market.

The main architectural façade of the market is made up of three two-story limestone warehouses from the 1870s,

the function of which changed in the 1990s when the market was opened. The underlying architectural idea for the

new market was to draw attention to this powerful element. The new extension essentially includes a cross-section of a large saw-tooth roof and a gradual longitudinal section, following the shape and size of the original buildings.

The tops of the saw-tooth roof are made of polarized glass that allow plenty of light into the building, while making sure the sun will not harm goods, sellers or customers.

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The interior market is located on three floors, inside the reconstructed buildings and between them. The Baltic

station side of the roof is completely left for an outdoor market, which closes at night, just like the old market. The

outdoor market is the most archetypal expression of a market that visitors can imagine. That is why it is positioned in the most visible location in the market. Behind the outdoor market stand kiosks, designated for smaller businesses: bakers, sweet shops, spice shops, etc.

01/ Baltic Station Market seen from the Evening Square 02/ View from tramway to outdoor market

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Next to the outdoor market at the front is Hommiku (Morning) Square and on the other side of the building, Õhtu (Evening) Square—both names referring to the best part of the day for spending time there. The squares are

connected by a ramp and terraces, lined with cozy areas for eating and sitting, a children’s playground and terraces for cafés and restaurants. During the evenings and into the night, people can walk through the same lit-up area.

The main task of the ground floor of the market building was to convey the hustle and bustle characteristic to

markets everywhere. To create the right kind of environment, many different kinds of markets are brought together onto the ground floor of the interior market. Typical functions of a market—stalls for meat, fish and milk—stand side-by-side with the farmers market and vegetable stalls and an avenue of street food in the middle building.

Juxtaposing and mixing various uses of the stalls, Baltic station market creates a completely new way to experience a market.

The first floor is mainly dedicated to the classics of the old market—antiquities, second-hand goods and clothing,

but as a new addition, there is also Estonian design, craft and household goods. High roomy wood-strip ceilings and plenty of sunlight create an open airy environment throughout the whole first floor, with just a bit of extra comfort. To make use of the wonderful views from the first floor, an eatery and brewery have been installed there, both of which have an outside terrace opening to the midday sun.

When it comes to interior architecture, the emphasis was on displaying the history of the former warehouses and the new details that will become historic in the coming years. Creating brand-new historical-looking details was

consciously avoided. Materials include bricks of various colors and brick-size ceramic tiles. Wood and black metal

have been used for the railings and shop fronts. The general lighting is warm and discreet, which makes it possible to create special lighting for specific goods and businesses if needed.

The aim of the general design of the Baltic Station Market is to support and encourage many and diverse sellers

to find a home here and to inspire them. The tenants can test out the boundaries and find a suitable look for their

business. The reconstructed market was opened to visitors in May 2017 and during the opening week saw around 23,000 visitors.

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First-floor plan

Basement floor plan

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03/ Farmers market between old limestone walls 04/ Fresh fruit and vegetable stalls

Second-floor plan

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05/ View of market’s three floors 06/ Fish stalls 07/ View from top floor of market

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Title: Contemporary Market Architecture Planning and Design Author: Neil Tomlinson and Valentí Àlvarez Planas (Eds) ISBN: 9781864707809 Production manager | Group art director: Nicole Boehringer Senior editor: Gina Tsarouhas Assisting editor: Benjamin Sepsenwol Printed by Everbest Printing Investment Limited, in Hong Kong/China IMAGES has included on its website a page for special notices in relation to this and its other publications. Please visit www.imagespublishing.com Every effort has been made to trace the original source of copyright material contained in this book.

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The information and illustrations in this publication have been prepared and supplied by Neil Tomlinson, Valentí Àlvarez Planas, and the contributors. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the publishers do not, under any circumstances, accept responsibility for errors, omissions and representations, express or implied.