Market Hall in Motion

As a complementation to the regular street market, the city of Dornbirn is asking for a contemporary market hall to enhance its future vitality. The central site requires an analysis of its potential, while understanding market halls as an architectural typology is essential for a contextual translation. Consequently, the question arises: How should a contemporary market hall with a complementary concept have to be designed at the specific site in Dornbirn, to exploit the urban potential while aligning with the existing context and respecting the architectural typology of these spaces?

Based on the analysis of the architectural typology of market halls and the site, including a vacant building complex, the design of the hybrid market hall unfolds as a response to Dornbirn’s vision for a contemporary approach. While the existing street market continues at the central market square, the new hybrid market hall focuses on the enjoyment of food in weather-protected space and its public quality. The urban vision extends the pedestrian zone, forming a generous portico and front square. Programmatically, a hybrid use exploits the central potential, by generating daily activity. The combination with a co-working and student living integrates the project into urban life. The spatial concept interlocks new and existing structures. In-between, spatial highlights emerge, such as the dense relation between old and new within the public alley. Thus, historical layers are preserved while reflecting the city's unique flair. Within the static structure and logistic organization, the conception of a dynamic system for modular street food stalls ensures flexibility. Materially, the lime-plastered brick façade creates a solid appearance with a subtle dialogue between existing and new parts, contrasting by natural greenery. Visual continuity is created by the white painted timber construction emphasizing its structural elegance. The atmosphere is characterized by refined details, such as grooved glass diffusing light or the varying play of light and shadow of the façade. All in all, the project introduces in a subtle way an innovation of the market hall typology through the inclusion of existing buildings, the interplay of diverse spaces and its hybrid, complementary role. Thus, it fulfills the symbolic value of a contemporary market hall, as a culinary and public place.