The project recalculates a new route to the Wednesday market in Ramla, Reshaping it by a cluster of new buildings. The challenge lies in preserving this unique ritual while optimizing the large, underutilized space for more effective use through out the rest of the week. How can we reconcile the market's fluid nature with the need for thoughtful planning? How do we define and respect its blurred borders and gradually constructed environment?
Ultimately, the question is: How can we plan for a flea market while preserving its spirit and character?
The organic tissue of the old city of Ramla stands in stark contrast to the repetitive, organized built environment of the city's northern and western areas. The old city boasts a chaotic, undefined urban fabric that reflects its rich historical and cultural layers.
The old city is home to significant historical and religious landmarks, embodying a history that stretches back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement dating to the Bronze Age. This heritage grants Ramla city a unique identity and sense of place, yet it remains undervalued and often overlooked.
One of the defining features of the old city is the "Wednesday flea market". This market serves as a vivid echo of the old city's chaotic spirit. The market, considered part of Ramla’s cultural heritage, unfolds in a large, dusty open space that serves as a parking lot on other days. Each Wednesday, it emerges anew "on sand". (Ramla means sand in arabic "Raml" "رمل")
Concept Sketch
The connection to the surroundings in the project occurs on multiple levels, both at ground level and on the first floors. These connections were designed as two paths defined as "The Market Route" and "The Upper Route."
The Market Route is shaped by the building volumes, which frame the public space between them. The route begins as a narrow passage and opens into a wide square. Along its length, it offers a variety of experiences, facilitated by the ground-floor commercial spaces and the diverse public areas.
The entrances to the complex from different directions were designed to extend key urban axes into the site, primarily the city's permanent market and the future green boulevard as outlined in the municipal master plan (TABA).
The market Route
The Upper Route
On the first and second floors, an additional connection to the surroundings is established through "The Upper Route." This route consists of a series of public spaces located on the first floors of the complex's buildings, interconnected by short bridges. Together, they create an elevated pathway that offers a variety of functions and experiences, similar to the dynamic atmosphere provided by The Market Route.
1 Upper route
2 Upper route
3 Upper route
4 Upper route
5 Upper route
6 Upper route
