Market Hall in Rzeszów
MSc project, WA PWr, 2019
supervisor: dr inż. arch. Marcin Brzezicki
Design objectives. The tradition of open-air marketplaces still lasts in Rzeszów’s district of old Nowe Miasto, ever since the 17th century. Thanks to the exceptionally attractive location (historical center) and variety of sold goods, marketplaces at Targowa Street, boast both great recognition and attendance. Nevertheless, recent years have seen a decline in the popularity of open-air trade, especially among young people.
The main task of the design is to solve some of the problems associated with traditional, open-air marketplaces. Another aim is to enrich the local services offer and, to some extent, revitalize Targowa Street.
The historical context. Current an open-air market constitutes an exposed gap in the corner of the old town. The proposed market hall, for the most part, follows the historical building line. Although the height, shape, and proportions were designed to match those of the existing buildings instead. Long facades have been optically divided witch cut-outs and height changes, to mimic the lengths of the neighboring facades.
Program of the building. The ground floor is mostly occupied by an open-space indoor market and two gastronomic areas. Various public entrances, along witch the open floorplan improve overall accessibility. Ramp to the underground car parking was located in the least exposed, northeast corner of the building.
Two open staircases in the main hall lead directly to the gallery on the first floor, providing access to the various minor shops and services.
Photography Gallery of Rzeszów, a public cultural institution placed on the last floor has a wide range of activities. Beside organizing various workshops and exhibitions, it also gathers and maintains a vast collection of historical photographs and films, and performs various documentary and administrative tasks.
Inside-outside connection. Deep undercuts, glass curtain walls, same ground level as the pavement, or entrances leading directly into the main hall, all work to provide fluent transition between pedestrian traffic and the interior market hall.
A significant portion of current markets clients are simply passersbys, therefore the ground floor was meant to be transparent and inviting. A clear view of the market and fresh, attractive products should provide much better results than banners and other large-scale advertisements, without visually littering the public space.
The building structure has been optimized for efficient lighting, simplicity and low construction and exploatation costs. The main construction is based on a modular, system of reinforced concrete pillars and floors. Proper natural sunlight levels in the main hall is provided by sawtooth roof witch north-facing windows. Steel structures of the roof and rectangular-pipe trusses are fireproofed witch a properly certified plasterboard system.
