Andrew Burges Architects

Gramalote Market Square

GRAMALOTE MARKET SQUARE

Niro Arquitectura + OAU | Oficina de Arquitectura & Urbanismo

Gramalote Market Square
© Sergio Gómez

TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR 
Rodrigo Montaño

DESIGN TEAM
Fabrizzio Milano

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Jheny Nieto Ropero, Rodrigo Chain

CLIENTS 
Fondo de Adaptación

CONSTRUCTOR 
Arquitectura y Concreto

DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION
José Herrera

CONSULTS 
Proyectar Ingeniería

PHOTOGRAPHS
Sergio Gómez

AREA
1300 m²

YEAR
2017

LOCATION
Gramalote, Colombia

CATEGORY
Market

Gramalote Market Square
© Sergio Gómez

Text description provided by architect.

Gramalote is located in the area of Norte de Santander. On December 17, 2010, due to heavy winter rains caused by the “La Niña” phenomenon, a landslide swept through the town of Gramalote, forcing its 2,800 inhabitants to move to nearby municipalities.

Being one of the first displacements caused by climate change in Colombia, the national government, together with the Adaptation Fund, rebuilt the municipality, including the new market place, which since has become an emblematic place for the people of Gramalote.

Gramalote Market Square
© Sergio Gómez
Gramalote Market Square
© Sergio Gómez

The roof was designed to be an architectural reference and meeting point for inhabitants of the town.

It is made up of a concrete structural module, defined by inverted folds and a rainwater collection mechanism in its roof and columns. By arranging eight modules of three, a roof that demonstrates unity in the architectural ensemble is created.

Gramalote Market Square
© Sergio Gómez
Gramalote Market Square
© Sergio Gómez

The project is implemented in a topography with a 25% and 30% slope, which forces the creation of a continuous zigzag path between the higher and lower accesses of the market square.

This path also works as an articulating element of the project. Its layout is resolved with a ramp with slopes and adequate breaks to facilitate the circulation of a market cart or a wheelchair.

Likewise, to avoid to intervene with excavations and landfills, platforms that respect the topography of the place were incorporated, adapting to the terrain and achieving different views along the route.

Gramalote Market Square
© Sergio Gómez
Gramalote Market Square
© Sergio Gómez
Gramalote Market Square
© Sergio Gómez

The lower part of the square has a multiuse platform attached to the main access in which a farmers market, a food court, bazaars, musical events, etc. can operate.

Thanks to its location it functions as a viewpoint towards the landscape and towards the Los Apios gorge. Commercial modules of two types were created depending on the products sold in each one.

Gramalote Market Square
© Sergio Gómez
Gramalote Market Square
Section

In total, 70 commercial stalls were generated for the market place. Independent of the roof module, the market place consolidates the face of the block where the project is located.

This clay facade is retracted at the upper part of the lot in order to create an entrance hall for the project, while at the side it creates a generous public space together with the pedestrian path. 

Gramalote Market Square
Section
Gramalote Market Square
Floor Plan

The facade of the project is designed in a permeable way allowing the generation of permanent trade outside the Market Place.

The textures of the facades are achieved by using blocks of clay created by the local industry of the region.

These pieces allow visuals towards the interior of the square, but at the same time, they delimit the perimeter of the project.

This construction received first place in the Cemex Colombia 2019 Collective Space Category contest and second place in the Cemex Works Prize contest.

Gramalote Market Square
Floor Plan


Gramalote Market Square
Details
Gramalote Market Square
Rooftop Plan

Andrew Burges Architects
T +61 2 93317433 F +61 2 93317488
Andrew Burges Architects
32/61 Marlborough St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia