Previous state
This project in Horta, Barcelona, is part of a broader intervention to stop the considerable deterioration of the neighbourhood’s traditional market by constructing a temporary market to be used while the reforms are being carried out. The new market had to be constructed on a site where the neighbourhood of Horta adjoins those of Carmel and La Clota.
Aim of the intervention
The Municipal Institute of Markets of Barcelona requested a temporary building that would be dismantled once the work was completed on the old market. The new market was to resemble the original one and had to guarantee that stallholders could move their establishments without losing commercial space. In fact, they participated in the process to ensure that their needs were taken into account.
Description
The construction of the new market was based on a temporary wooden structure that supported the roof and adapted to the slope of the terrain to minimise its landscape impact. As a new neighbourhood social space, the project includes transformation of the surrounds into more natural areas. When the rehabilitation of the old market is finished, it is planned to use this structure as a pergola, providing shade and a new public space for the local community.
Assessment
The project achieves a good balance between functionality and sustainability. The temporary market improves the comfort of stallholders and shoppers and promotes efficient use of resources. Although this is a temporary building, its design guarantees that its materials and structure will have a second life. The project as a whole permanently improves the neighbourhood and has created a social space that strengthens a feeling of belonging and community cohesion.
[Last update: 17/07/2025]
