Arts and Crafts market, m_ART Competition

The proposed site (for the arts and crafts market) is located on the west side of the old Athens' flea market and forms a passage towards an old industrial area of the city, which is now full of bars, restaurants, multi purpose spaces and museums, and plays a major role in the arts and night life scene.

Although the proposed site, in urban terms, is formed as a square it actually functions as a meeting point (or passage) for people walking from the old industrial area to the flea market and vice versa.

Our proposal attempts to turn this meeting/passage into an open arts and crafts market, which will function as a "node" point of the route leading to the old industrial area, and also as the new west gate to the existing flea market, creating a "special place" with a profound positive impact on the city.

Concept

We identify six key, conventional types of the existing flea market. These types have developed over many centuries and withstood the test of time to find them in all the markets around the world, to present day. 

In order to formulate a new strategy to structure our approach, we have analyzed the types to find strengths and weaknesses.

This project attempts to introduce a new "market type", which will adapt in different cities and different scenarios.

With the new type we have tried to combine elements from old market types with respect to the urban context, key viewpoints and sustainable materials. The new type maximizes the shops' frontage and attempts to encapsulate the atmosphere of the old markets with their narrow pathways and the hidden meeting points and courtyards. 

The roofs of the single storey units can be used as viewing decks and provide great views towards the ancient Greek market and the Acropolis.

Materiality

We invite all the artists/professionals/occupants of the units, to help decide the external cladding material which best expresses their approach to design.

Our design direction would be to use as many recyclable materials as possible from old wood pallets to plastic bottles, card boxes and fabrics. Shops will then be identified not only by appearance but also by the sense of touch.

Project Info
Project : Arts and Crafts market, m_ART international Competition
Issued : OpenGap.net, Spain
Project location : Athens
Year of study : 2010

Office : Europe Studio Architects
Team : Constantine Cosmas, Architect, Stefanos Gkougkoustamos, Architect