earthen red hue coats layered municipal open market in tepoztlán

new municipal market integrates into Tepoztlán’s urban fabric

Ramírez Suarez Arquitectos + Laboratorio Regional de Arquitectura take over the design of the new municipal market in Tepoztlán, Mexico. Proposed as a solution to relocate informal commerce from the city center to an attractive, comfortable, and tourist-friendly space, the project is supported by the Pueblo Mágico of Tepoztlán.

Due to the lack of adequate commercial conditions in the central area of Tepoztlán’s historic center, the need arose to develop a project for a new municipal market. By relocating informal commerce, this initiative aimed to free up public spaces that had been irregularly occupied. The implementation of this strategy allowed for the restoration of the urban context’s legibility and enhanced the value of its historical and natural heritage. The project, developed as part of the Urban Improvement Program (PMU) of the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development (SEDATU), is situated on a rectangular plot at the southeastern corner of the Convent of the Nativity of Mary in Tepoztlán. The site faces three streets and features a pronounced slope descending from west to east and south to north. The program consists of a parking level, a supply level, two food levels, and an upper-level viewpoint, accommodating a total of 195 commercial spaces distributed across three levels. 

all images by Ana Paula Álvarez + Miguel Cobos

red steel structure reflects the region’s traditional clay tones

The collaborative team between Ramírez Suarez Arquitectos and Laboratorio Regional de Arquitectura follows an architectural approach that respects Tepoztlán’s urban scale. The new market seeks not only to improve logistics and safety but also to provide a better experience for both merchants and visitors. The access level functions as a large plaza that highlights the main entrance and includes a pedestrian ramp to ensure accessibility from the parking area. The building is structured using a metal grid made of IPR-type steel profiles, with a modular layout of 2.50 by 2.50 meters, ensuring uniform dimensions for all commercial spaces. The structure is painted in a reddish hue to resemble the predominant clay tones of the region and is complemented by local materials such as exposed brick walls and wooden furniture. As a vital gathering space for the community, the market offers a variety of goods, from fresh produce and traditional cuisine to handicrafts. This new space represents an opportunity to revitalize the local economy while preserving the customs and traditions of the region.

the new municipal market in Tepoztlán redefines the local commercial landscape

designed to relocate informal commerce, the market integrates into the urban fabric

a modular steel framework defines the market’s architectural language

exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings complement the market’s material palette

the 2.50 by 2.50-meter modular grid ensures uniform commercial spaces

the market consists of 195 commercial spaces distributed across three levels

local materials and a simple structural system define the market’s design

a large public plaza at the entrance enhances accessibility and gathering space

an upper-level viewpoint offers a panoramic perspective of the surrounding landscape

the market serves as a hub for fresh produce, local cuisine, and handicrafts

a space that strengthens local traditions while supporting economic growth

project info:

name: Tepoztlán Market
architects: Ramírez Suarez Arquitectos | @rsa_mx + Laboratorio Regional de Arquitectura

location: Tepoztlán, Morelos, México

area: 5,754.28 sqm

lead architect: Carlos Ramírez Suárez

design team: Carlos Ramírez Suárez, Alejandro Mosqueda García, Luis Carlos Orihuela Valle, Isaid Serrano Corona

photographer: Ana Paula Álvarez | @anapaula__a + Miguel Cobos | @miguelcobos._

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom