Green Market: The Market as a Public Square Archetype

In their most ancient and communal form, markets have always been a center of urban life. Green Market in the Polish city of Ciechanów embodies this vision. This public investment reinterprets the traditional local market through a contemporary and sustainable architectural language.

Architects Michał Kucharski and Agata Parzentna have translated this vision into a 1,650 m² space. Inspired by the archetype of the public square, the project is an open, accessible, and dynamic environment that encourages social interaction.

A contemporary square revitalizes the city market

The U-shaped configuration, with three entrances that lead to a semi-covered central courtyard, is both functional and a deliberate design choice, with the space inviting public engagement while establishing new site connections. A circular roof opening admits natural light and reinforces the sense of indoor-outdoor permeability, while the surrounding canopy provides shelter from the elements.

White powder-coated aluminum extrusions clad the facades, lending the building a light, contemporary character. Extensive glazing around the courtyard at ground level maximizes natural light, while the signage over the storefronts establishes a clear and cohesive visual identity. The restrained, essential architecture incorporates plantings and site furnishings – including benches, bike racks, and waste bins – that complete the public space.

The interior houses market stalls, support spaces, and a restaurant with an upper-level green terrace, which serves as an additional social hub. Clear, functional organization places the market hall to the north and customer parking to the south.

The restaurant and its green terrace, along with event spaces and the flexible courtyard, which can also host cultural programming, transform the complex into a community hub.

Environmental strategies include heat-recovery ventilation and photovoltaic panels, while green roofs manage stormwater runoff and improve the microclimate, strengthening the project’s sustainability.

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