Municipal Market in Almuñecar
Two important decisions define the strategy of the proposal at the urban level. The first is the 45º orientation on the plot to be arranged according to the direction of the main flows from the landmarks that make up the old town of Almuñécar. In this way, the market is naturally integrated into the daily transits of citizens, enhancing the south-north heritage axis and joining as one more node to the network of local attractions. On the other hand, the second decisive decision refers to the liberation of the maximum public space in front of the Kuwait Square, generating a new square in continuity. It would seem the most appropriate way to concentrate the built mass in line with the fills and voids of the proposed site.
As if it were a large perforated mantle, the vaulted structure shelters the activity of the market, generating a shaded, airy and overhead-lit space through small holes reminiscent of Arab baths. The volumetry is altered in two strategic points to accommodate the first-floor catering establishments, as well as two terraces for both day and night use. A lattice façade of the same materiality hangs from the ceramic roof, which filters the light into the upper level. The latticework lowers at times to ground level to hide the spaces for internal use.
The terraces on the first floor are located in two strategic corners of the building. One of them looks out onto the public space of Kuwait Square, the other to the pedestrian flow coming from the historic centre along Avenida Cala. Two elevated vaults over the complex house catering establishments that serve both terraces. These stores, supported by market establishments, allow the consumption of some of their products on site. Its independent operation of the market has also been sought to extend its use beyond the hours of the market, or on days without a market. The buildings' three programs - garage, market and premises - are able to function independent from and in conjunction with each other, depending on the hours of the day or days of the week. The terrace area on the first floor is about 220 m², on two terraces of 120 m² and 100 m². The catering establishments that serve these terraces on the first floor have an area of 140.54 m² and 31.40 m² respectively.