Central Athens Fruit and Vegetable Market

Located in Central Athens, this proposal is a redesign of an existing informal fruit and vegetable market and an underground car park. The building offers a range of functions that extend beyond traditional markets, with the aim of revitalizing the city and fostering economic growth. In addition to the core market activity, it is integrated into a new urban street network and public space system, providing urban farming as well as sports and educational facilities. This integration connects local communities with urban farming practices. Based on the existing underground car park grid structure, a shifted forest of columns has been designed to create space for these diverse activities. Above ground, a series of educational and recreational facilities provide spaces for local communities. These spaces encompass activities ranging from cooking and urban farming schools to multi-purpose rooms. Atop the building, a series of greenhouses are utilized for hydroponic farming. The rhythm and variation of these greenhouses allow different plants to grow optimally under their respective favorable light conditions. This pattern not only organizes the market spaces below but also supports hydroponic farming. Overall, the Fruit and Vegetable Market project showcases a dynamic fusion of market, community, and sustainable agricultural elements.