FRESH POINTE

2.3 Designing Contemporary Market
Places
When it comes to market architecture,
modern markets require designs that are
both functional and capable of integrating
markets as key components of the
public, into locations with a vast and diverse
assortment of firms. The land uses
that comprise an urban ecosystem all
have one thing in common: their primary
purpose is to provide for the most fundamental
human needs, such as allowing
community members to interact with one
another, providing a place for gatherings
where information can be shared, complying
with regulations governing health,
safety, and hygiene, and accommodating
the need for environmentally responsible
food waste management systems. In
addition to interacting with high-density
urban life and fostering a thriving commercial
and residential environment, markets
must adapt to an important trend
that combines food vending machines
and dining restaurants in the same site.
Adding a supermarket as a complementary
business model to the current commercial
services has become one of the most
popular ways to revitalize the traditional
market model. It is well-established that
this fundamental commercial mix provides
considerable benefits for businesses and
boosts sales not only within the building but
also at the stores in its immediate vicinity.
In addition, new market concepts include
an increasing number of restaurants in
their commercial corridors, inspired by the
gourmets of the enormous shopping malls
that have mushroomed over the past few
decades. However, this “new” typology is
reinterpreted and redefined to convince
the client of the freshness and quality of
the goods. Some markets allow the option
to prepare and try the food sold on-site.
The concept of the market as a sociocultural hub where
various food-related and non-food-related activities can
be conducted, such as community centers, training facilities,
and exhibition halls, all of which enhance and improve
the market’s relationship with the neighborhood,
has also spread rapidly in recent years. It is also important
to notice how markets located in tourist areas have
been able to serve this function and even become an
additional attraction for visitors to the city. The markets
covered in this research, such as the Markthal Rotterdam,
are clear examples of public markets that attract
tourists not only because of the things they sell, but also
because of their status as recognizable landmarks in
the city where they are located (Tomlinson and Planas).
The layout of a public market is largely determined
by its performance. Designing a
solid commercial mix or layout is one of
the most crucial aspects of market planning.
This requires determining the quantity,
size, and type of stores, as well as their
approximate location within the structure.
Finding a decent location is the next step
after agreeing on a solid layout. It is crucial
to choose a decent location in the
city. It is vital to consider factors like as
proximity to public spaces and population
density. Once the optimal location has
been selected, the operation plan must
be developed. The architectural arrangement
of a building can be determined by
determining how consumers and commodities
will enter and exit. Due to this, it
is essential that the primary entrances are
situated in front of the most vital outdoor
areas and that truck accesses are convenient
and easy. Moreover, natural light
is essential in marketplaces. Additionally,
a marketplace should have an architectural
style that is appealing, inviting, and
compatible with its surroundings. Finally,
you should consider how the exterior and
interior of the market complement each
other and how the market seems to locals.
Due to this, many markets include
large windows or transparent surfaces
so they can display the variety of products
they provide (Tomlinson and Planas).
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Figure 20: Ergon Agora Contemporary
Market
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Figure 21: Ergon Agora Contemporary Market - Greece