Slideshow: Future Architects Put Market Theory into Practice
From evaluating locations to rendering creative designs and a cost analysis, graduate architecture students help envision a food hub and events space for Providence
BRISTOL, R.I. – An elevated walkway with sweeping river views, a rooftop grapevine trellis whose arbor shades outdoor areas, and an open wood-frame structure evocative of barns are just some of the creative design elements conceived by architecture students last spring for a potential food hub and events space in Providence.
In a graduate-level urban design studio that doubled as a real client project via the Community Partnerships Center, a dozen future architects helped the Providence Food Market Steering Committee determine a vision for an indoor-outdoor market reminiscent of a Parisian street scene. Led by Anthony Piermarini – a principal at Studio Luz Architecture – the students evaluated properties around Providence and dreamt up grand (and innovatively small-scale) designs based on the committee’s desire for a market space for local farmers and fishermen to sell their catch, where chefs can offer cooking demonstrations, and provide a destination for neighbors to meet up and listen to live music.
With the student architects’ full report, from renderings to cost analysis, in hand, the Providence Food Market Steering Committee will focus its vision and then take the next steps to see whether there’s interest in pursuing this project from city officials.
Read the Downtown Providence Farmers Market Design report here, and then click below to view a slideshow of the students’ work.