Pazardzhik City Market

Competition entry for a new city market between Gradski Pazar and Asen Zlatarov streets and the neighbouring park. The aim is for the market and the park to pass into one another and form a shared urban environment for trade, cultural life and meetings. The market also becomes an urban stage: sustainable, adaptable and open to future change.

Concept

The design combines the geometry of chess with the territorial logic of the game of Go. In the zone where they meet, the urban and the park environment are reduced to their basic units and arranged in a common grid. Covered trading fields and green public spaces alternate within a single raster. The result is a clear organisation that allows for variety, flexibility and construction in stages.

Zoning

The main approaches are from the south and from the north, in direct connection with the pedestrian zone and Saedinenie Square. The two entrances are marked by open areas for events and temporary exhibitions and are linked by a compositional axis. The individual units are arranged around it and are accessible from all sides.

The complex includes covered zones with pavilions for food and household goods, cafés and restaurants and administration, as well as three open zones under canopies with a total of 172 tables for fruit, vegetables, honey, nuts and household goods.

Green system

The market is connected to the park through a sequence of inner courtyards and small green centres. All existing large trees are preserved. New planting, park furniture, water features and drinking fountains are provided.

Structure

The open and enclosed trading areas have a steel structure on a 3 by 3 m module, with lightweight materials, movable sunshades, curtain walls and mobile partitions. The seven functional parts can be built as separate stages.

Key figures

Built-up area 2575 m². Gross floor area (GFA) 3463 m², of which 1836 m² open and 1627 m² enclosed trading areas.