Published in Architektura Murator 08/2020//311
'Preceded by broad cultural, social and spatial research, the design for a market-place in Ghana is all about providing shade to those who trade their agricultural produce and crafts. The architects saw the form as a dialogue between roofscape and floorscape, but wished to make it seem light and a little random. This is why it was a tree, a natural shade-giver, that become a model for the steel structures composed of two extensive non-orthogonal roofs supported by irregularly situated columns, and protecting platforms for work and seating from the sun, as well as a showroom and a well. The structures also resemble summer huts, usually located in the middle of compounds making up the village structure. The market structures, just like summer huts, can also serve for meetings and communal life. The three constructed modules can be added to, depending on the development of Guabuliga. The architects' main desire was to harmonize their structure with its context, and show the local residents how to expand it.'
Joana Lazarova is an architect, writer and journalist. She covers topics on design and culture, and is specialised in communication and research within the boundaries of architecture and urbanism.