On the competition Peja Bazaar, features as spatial development, functionality and practicability were taken much into consideration. Therefore the second winning proposal by Urban PLUS presented a variety of a combined appearance transferring the plot to the required number of units resulting on mosaic architecture of eight different cubes, providing commonly accessible spaces, with an inner square that would satisfy the needs of the shop owners and meanwhile provide a better access to the riverfront.

Continue after the break for more images and description by the project authors.

The bazaar concept was generated based on Peja old tradition for trading and services. The bazaar does not intend to interpret the Peja Bazaar – ‘CARSHIA’. Instead it uses the spatial concept of the covered bazaar that besides trading provides covered space for social interaction. The market provides the opportunity to bring fresh traditional local products into the city center and stimulate local economy In order to emphasize the importance of riverfront, it has been considered to create an active facade towards the river and to connect the Korzo Boulevard to riverfront in several points. This is achieved with six gates made of glass allowing visual permeability towards the riverfront. These gates lead to the market, where besides trading; a rich social life is envisaged.

Visually, the bazaar concept is interpreted through three elements: stone walls, wooden cantilevers and windows covered with folding wooden shutters. Wood and stone are traditional materials in Peja region, but also preferred contemporary materials. The wooden shutters interpreted in a modern way create the effect of manipulating facades that provides constantly different experiences of building facades. The wood and the stone are in harmony with the natural settings that dominates Peja urban landscape.

The central part of the bazaar is the marketplace, enclosed by the shops which complement the variety of the products offered in the market. The open stalls could be supported by the shops open towards the market.

Although the basic idea of the inner market, offers the option of simple division of the space into the shops, in the case that the owners would not agree to have a central market place. This would not have impact to the building structure, but would jeopardize the openness and the variety of social life.

Structurally, the bazaar is divided into the parts based on grouping the plots in order to create an enclosed public space in which the market is located. Each owner is entitled to build three stores – basement, ground and first floor with the maximum of allowed floor space index given by the plan. It is proposed that he use of the premises to be separated through the floors. However, if the owners require having an entire store in three store, it could be provided considering the stairs within the premises. In this case no changes will be permitted in the facade.