Historically, markets have served as essential meeting places for economic and cultural exchange, acting as vital infrastructure that nurtures community life. They not only facilitate the exchange of basic products but also preserve traditions that are integral to the social and cultural fabric.
Built between 1984 and 1986 in the city of Tuxtepec, Oaxaca, the Porfirio Díaz Mori Public Market had significantly deteriorated after more than twenty years without proper maintenance. This situation led to the abandonment of traders and created insecurity due to structural and electrical problems. As part of the Urban Improvement Programme implemented by the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development (SEDATU), a new project was proposed to completely replace the old market. This new complex integrates not only a public market but also a plaza and municipal public administration offices, revitalizing the area and accelerating its development and settlement.
The main objective is to strengthen neighborhood identity and local commerce, improve community relations, and delay the arrival of large self-service stores that could harm small businesses and services.
The new complex includes a commercial program of 1,287 m2, consisting of 56 commercial venues, in addition to the services necessary for their operation, including a water storage area and a wastewater treatment plant. During the design phase, close collaboration was maintained with traders to define the characteristics of the premises, their distribution, and grouping by type of business, thus ensuring comprehensive operation. Regarding the office program for public service, with a surface area of 633 m2, it is distributed over two levels on the west side of the complex and includes offices, archive areas, sanitary facilities, and semi-covered parking. On the other hand, an access plaza has been designed to the east.
"We wanted to give the complex a simple yet contemporary, neutral and functional aesthetic. The scale, proportions and use of common technical solutions and materials will facilitate repairs and the replacement of elements without compromising the aesthetic concept or quality of the complex. In addition, the flexibility of the market will allow the spaces to be combined or adapted as needed, without altering the basic characteristics of the project".
- Alejandro Polo Lamadrid
The formal solution of the complex is primarily based on bioclimatic guidelines, aiming to create well-ventilated and well-lit spaces that are protected from the sun and the region's heavy rainfall. Internal circulation areas are wider than usual in public markets to improve ventilation, while increased internal heights in the corridors ensure comfortable conditions without the need for mechanical ventilation or air conditioning.
The materiality and treatment of exterior spaces are inspired by local building traditions, with the aim of integrating with other urban interventions and utilizing available construction techniques and materials. Steel structures and lightweight roofs feature prominently, reinterpreted with simplicity and contemporary style. Commercial spaces boast red brick walls, adobe grids, and steel louvre shutters, while polished concrete interiors and textured marble aggregate exteriors complete the ensemble. Additionally, the chosen shade of red for the buildings harmonizes with the regional color palette.
