Celebrating Community: Temporary Market at MAAT
Embracing Local Culture and Sustainability
In 2021, the MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology in Lisbon marked its fifth anniversary with a vibrant celebration that included an open-air series of events. Central to this celebration was a producers’ market, curated by Comida Independente, an association dedicated to collaborating with emerging local food producers committed to environmental sustainability.
Architectural Ingenuity by FURO
Commissioned to create the market stalls and spatial layout, FURO architects rose to the occasion with innovative design solutions. Thirteen demountable wooden structures were meticulously crafted to ensure structural integrity, minimize material usage, and facilitate easy reusability for future events.
Spatial Organization and Inviting Design
The market stalls, arranged in a 23-meter circle, were strategically oriented towards the interior, fostering a sense of community and interaction among vendors and visitors alike. At the heart of the market, a long high table served as a communal gathering spot, emphasizing the market’s informal and inclusive atmosphere.
Vibrant Aesthetics and Functional Design
To protect vendors from the elements while adding visual flair to the space, colorful fabric layers were draped over and behind each structure. These vibrant fabric canopies not only shielded vendors from the sun and rain but also delineated the market’s perimeter, enticing passersby with their lively hues and drawing them towards the diverse array of offerings, including oysters, vegetables, fruits, fresh pasta, mushrooms, bread, and much more.
In summary, the Temporary Market at MAAT, crafted by FURO architects, stands as a testament to the power of community, sustainability, and innovative design. By seamlessly blending architectural ingenuity with local culture and environmental consciousness, this temporary installation brought together producers and consumers in a vibrant celebration of food, art, and community spirit.
