Piazza Barcelona

Torino - Italia

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The main idea of the design concept for Piazza Barcelona is creating a space which can function properly as a market; which is the most important use of the piazza currently; and at the same time be a public space. 

The duality market-public space is a strong potential far development of the project, well justified, considering an analysis of the area of the site. We arrived to the conclusion that a green space is needed in the immediate surroundings, where a contrast with the rest of the neighborhood (especially with the part in the South of Via San Donato) can be easily observed. The aim was to manage to combine both of these aspects, aesthetically, conceptually and functionally, in a way that the two systems preserve their own integrity and independence; yet strengthening one another.  

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The market is organized in three parallel wide passages that aims to provide the comfort of both costumer and sellers, despite the crowded days.

On both sides of each path there are places for a total of 50 stands, behind which every van has its parking space, easily accessible by the North side . 
The market is covered with three masonry vaults, whose contact with the ground is minimized due to their geometry and is placed behind the trucks, leaving the pedestrian areas free far an easier and friendlier circulation.

Despite the supports meeting one another and creating conceptually one covering, the vaults are designed as much 'open' as possible, taking advantage of the space for the vans. Such feature also provides the entrance of the natural light and ventilation on the sides.

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The artificial illumination is chosen to be on the ground, following the pedestrian paths. 
On the South side of the square the entrance is a user­ friendly stair designed into a green slope, that visually and conceptually connects the market with the green area next to it, taking advantage of the existing slope of the site; an idea that remains in the design of the park: a series of ramps and inclined green areas that seem to try "reaching" the top of the vaults. 

A strong connecting element is a structure immersed in the green that is designed to host a bar and the restrooms: its roof is an inclined element, inspired by the inclination of the market vaults. 

The design of Piazza Barcelona aims to create different interesting and functional architectonical spaces by placing carefully-designed structures that not only serve 
this purpose, but also create a system on their own, whose integrity speaks to the viewer, accompanying one's experience of the place.