ivo tavares photographs austere concrete market in caminha

a new market for caminha, portugal

Photographer Ivo Tavares captures new images of a contemporary concrete market in Caminha, Portugal. More than just a place for buying and selling, the market serves as a communal hub for social interactions. Recognizing this multifaceted role, the architects behind the newly designed market — Loftspace and Tiago Sousa Arquiteto — have reimagined it as a vital urban reference point. Their design integrates the importance of function, form, and scale, ultimately enhancing the urban fabric of the city.

The pre-existing market in Caminha has struggled to meet the community’s needs. Over time, it has become a provisional structure, altered out of necessity rather than design intent. Structural problems, deterioration, and makeshift repairs to the roof have raised issues in accessibility, hygiene, safety, and compliance with modern regulations. The building’s ongoing maintenance efforts have not resolved these fundamental problems, leading the design team to conclude that a complete demolition and new construction would be the most practical solution.

images © Ivo Tavares Studio

architecture by loftspace & tiago sousa

The new market’s design by Loftspace and Tiago Sousa Arquiteto is a result of careful analysis of its location in Caminha and its purpose. It is strategically positioned to engage in a dialogue with both the natural and urban landscapes, paying close attention to the existing flows of the town. The market sits on Praça Pontault Combault, an urban void that faces different contexts — the urban fabric to the east, the former market site to the south, and the Minho Riverfront to the west. The architects have designed the new building to connect these elements through its placement, shape, and programmatic organization. The design captures the interest of the community through its straightforward, rational form and the austere use of color and light.

The market takes shape with a rectangular volume with clean, straight lines, framed by a robust structure of columns that create an external gallery. This gallery serves as a protective layer for visitors, reflecting the strength and permanence that public buildings require. Despite its rigidity, the structure’s interaction with light creates a dynamic play of light and shadow throughout the day, offering varying perspectives of the building’s form. The primary material, concrete, is chosen for its durability and functional aesthetic, while the base is clad in yellow Molianos stone, adding a sense of warmth and nobility to the design.

the new market in Caminha serves as a community hub, becoming a vital part of the town’s urban fabric

a transparent facade to embrace its surroundings

The market embraces its scenic context of Caminha through a balance of form, function, scale, and materials. The design does not turn its back on the riverfront, and it prioritizes the relationship with the town’s fair. The main entrance is oriented towards the village, fostering a connection with the local community. The technical areas are positioned towards a newly created square to the north, which opens up the horizon and provides a buffer from neighboring buildings. The transparent elements of the market’s facade establish a visual link between the interior activities and the external environment, inviting passersby to engage with the space and allowing those inside to appreciate the views of the town and the river.

a pre-existing market was demolished and replaced with a more functional and design-minded structure

inside the modern marketplace

Inside, the market is designed for both functionality and aesthetics. Washable and waterproof epoxy paint covers the interior walls up to a height of two and a half meters, ensuring hygiene and cleanliness. The interior is organized into three main sections — the southern section, housing shops with both exterior and interior access and sanitary facilities; the central public area, dedicated to the fish and fruit market; and the northern technical section, which includes changing rooms, individual cold storage rooms, administrative spaces, and an outdoor waste area. The layout carefully separates public and private spaces, with dedicated routes for staff to ensure smooth operations without intersecting with public circulation.

The heart of the market is its central space — a large, open area with high ceilings and a monumental scale. This space is flooded with natural light, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere that changes with the sun’s position throughout the day. It is here that the market’s primary activities unfold, providing a welcoming meeting point for the community. The interplay of light and space encourages an emotional connection, reminiscent of the traditional market experience through a contemporary lens.

concrete provides a modern and durable atmosphere, while the yellow Molianos stone base adds warmth