kapsimalis architects transforms abandoned lot into an open market in santorini

the open market, designed by kapsimalis architects, is positioned in the traditional village of oia on the picturesque island of santorini.
 the place was previously an abandoned plot on which a small memorial structure and an old building with a vaulted ceiling stood. the owner wanted to revive this part of land in the centre of oia through the design of an open market, which sells souvenirs, decorative objects, clothing, accessories, beachwear and traditional products and treats designed in greece.

all images courtesy of giorgos sfakianakis

the aim of kapsimalis‘ project was to create ten small, similar ‘units’/pavilions with different shapes, forms and products inside the plot, in order for the passers-by to stop and shop.
 this kind of space is a ‘heart’ in the old village of oia, an open common space as a continuity of the main pedestrian for gathering, communicating and shopping. two of the units are in the entrance of the space, as the storefronts and the preview of the whole open market. within the center of the plot there is a long table with traditional products and herbs on it. in front of the old building, a new thick, white wall is created with two different entrances for the interior space and a place for the cashier. 

the other units are placed in the perimeter of the open market. the ‘units’ are designed as white geometrical light structures, creating an antithesis with the texture and the colour of the old building and the existing monument, which are maintained pure, as they were. some of the units are closed and protected spaces where someone can enter and some other are objects that ‘host’ products or hide the shop’s storage.

the light geometrical structures are a white canvas for the products of the open market. the floor of the market is made by plain, grey concrete. light wood pieces and hanging ropes mostly for shading complete the colour palette and bridge the new clean-cut structures with the old, timeworn ones. mediterranean greenery, herbs and aromatics surround the pavilions, reminding the aesthesis of the old traditional gardens of santorinian houses. Architecture: Kapsimalis Architects Photography: 

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edited by: lynn chaya | designboom