New Bon Pastor Market, Barcelona
Competition for Institut Municipal de Mercats de Barcelona

As the site is situated between two existing public spaces, the pedestrian boulevard in Sant Adrià street to the north and a park with a playground to the east, we are proposing a scheme that redefines these two areas thus taking maximum advantage of the built-up area surrounding the market and incorporating these new external spaces in the project. Through integration elements, such as the pavement in the shape of steps and terraces, we will develop the area adjacent to the park as a means to connect both urban spaces.

The scale of the project responds to the surroundings and changes in line with the buildings opposite. The greater distance to the wooded park on the eastern side demands an increase in size which also benefits the market and, as the extent and appearance of the building decreases towards Cretas street, the self-service shop will be located to this area as it requires less height.

The use of traditional construction methods with a contemporary approach facilitates the creation of a new identity based on local traditions. An original ceramic cloud floating over the walls and the self-service shop becomes a new urban landmark for the neighbourhood, providing appropriate scale for Sant Adrià street.

The roof becomes an atmospheric and luminous energy device, which offers an urban and public image, providing the complex with its own identity. The roof is noticeable from the surrounding buildings, as it is situated on a lower level in relation to those, a new urban feature. To maximize the views, the market’s primary air-conditioning units will be integrated onto the façade, at a specific height, freeing the roof up from all equipment. The creation of a continuous space covered by a large structure is lit by latticed openings in the roof and walls. A complex skylight system in a space of this scale seems unnecessary.

The urban presence of two large key urban fabrics, such as the “cases barates” and the industrial area to the south create an intermediate transition space of different scales and urban arrangement, flanked by large communication infrastructures, such as Ronda Litoral (a ring road) and the Besós river to the east, and the railway to the west of the delimiting neighbourhood. These urban boundaries require the creation of a structure of a nature and a scale in alignment with this transition and the singularity of a building of public relevance.

Architects
Camila Aybar, Juan José Mateos, Jorge Jover and Maria Borrell

Developer
Institut Municipal de Mercats de Barcelona

Project 2014
Area 8.000m²