In Part 2 of the thesis I documented and analyzed the spatial and social qualities of eight farmers markets in Los Angeles. Part 3 of the thesis synthesizes the spatial and social characteristics and role of farmers markets in the city. The eight case studies demonstrate the wide variety of farmers market types. (see FIG 3.2) These are widely distributed throughout the city. They exist in different zoning conditions, income levels and spatial locations. Some are government operated, while others are operated by nonprofit organizations. The management’s purpose for the establishment of each farmers market differs. The types of vendors selling also vary. Source examples address pedestrian access, while most cater to automobile transportation. The phenomenon cannot be distilled down to any singular hypothesis; rather it exists as an experience comprised of a multitude of changing spatial, social, economic and operational factors. Farmers markets are part stable and part spontaneous. The stable layer of farmers markets results from (1) Market Organization and Operation and (2) Market Form
and Location. The operation and location of the markets provide a dependable, but flexible framework that facilitates unexpected activities, relationships and programs. Within the variety of random activities, six generalities characterize the unplanned aspects of farmers markets, as follows: (3) Spatial Activation; (4)
Adaptability; (5) Neighborhood identity creation; (6) Equitable distribution; (7) Spaces of Altruism; and (8) Symbiotic and Parasitic Markets.
FIG 3.2: FARMERS MARKETS DISTRIBUTION IN LOS ANGELES STUDY AREA; All CFMs in black, Case-study CFMs in red.
PART 3 - SYNTHESIZING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF FARMERS MARKETS IN LOS ANGELES
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