Pop Up Bazaar

Designing a modern marketplace and Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey.

The competition platform ‘Archasm’ called for the design of a Bazaar in the heart of Istanbul, with the aim of replicating a traditional market in a contemporary way. In addition, the brief asked designers to focus on the multi-functional aspect of a Bazaar and to create an architectural landmark to enrich community life. Our response focuses primarily on the multi-functioning aspect of a Bazaar by utilizing a design concept that explores the dynamics of building envelope.

Here we take inspiration from the Center Pompidou (Rogers & Piano 1971) to explore an above-ground market with an inverted building facade. The inner workings of the traditional market apparatus are displayed externally, interacting directly with the (externalised) public realm. The project seeks ways to expand the dimensions of the threshold between inside and out, to promote a dynamic, open and multi-functional architecture.

Center Pompidou, Paris

Photograph © Charles Palmer

The building proposal comprises of adaptable and reusable structural elements, but also a diversity of specifically crafted fixtures. A combination of steel and timber frame create a sense of openness and order, whereas the ‘curtain rail’ facade (made of zinc construction) appeals to the public’s sense of wonder and excitement, at 1:1 scale.

The facade space is imagined to incorporate a variety of moving parts including hanging textiles and lanterns, rotating shoes, jewellery on swinging rails, growing plants, shifting books and sitting ceramics, swaying herbs and spices, all together not unlike an encounter with Howl’s Moving Castle.

Further developments in this approach will seek to visualise compelling narratives for daylighting and building programme - both were considerations integral to the design of Pop Up Bazaar.