Rotterdam, Netherlands, Shift Architecture Urbanism
https://www.shift-au.com/projects/hyperlocal-micromarket/
-
- Current Markets tend to be larger and are spread further apart making access more difficult
-
- Markets can become smaller but become more evenly dispersed by occupying open spaces throughout the city and becoming integrated with existing communities
A new focus on neighborhood markets is a proposal being tested in Rotterdam but the project’s simplicity and ability to be easily reproduced will allow it to be easily applied universally. Hyper-local micro-markets present a new opportunity to utilize outdoor public space and create pop-up market opportunities that can help establish social distancing as normal behavior and something we can embrace rather than resist. By creating markets that serve local populations, this cultural shift may promote small businesses to grow around these spaces and create a higher incentive to invest in your own neighborhood rather than supporting large corporations that do not live within and support these small communities. It also promotes more sustainable means of acquiring fresh produce by promoting urban farming to reduce the costs of transporting these goods and ensuring the people are receiving produce directly off the plant.