The Contemporary Public Market: A Sustainable Design Approach to Low-Cost Operating Public Markets in Oman

Abstract

Attempts to design public markets in Oman failed to capture the social and cultural essence of historical markets in the region. The versatility of use and utilization of site resources in public markets diminished due to focusing primarily on the commercial aspect and the utilization of mechanical systems to provide comfort solutions. This study focuses on the lost elements of public Markets that go beyond commerce. This study introduces a set of principles to evaluate a site’s compatibility with a thriving public market. These principles are later utilized to design a semi-open public market designed to deliver a contemporary experience the harmonizes social, cultural, and commercial practices. The public market design focuses on affordability by minimizing operational costs through the utilization of existing site resources and implementing primarily passive sustainable strategies. The design of the market’s sustainable systems is derived from weather data files and vernacular construction practices. Strategies implemented in the market focus on utilizing wind flow along with other cooling strategies. The wind system is developed and refined through wind simulation software. Daylighting of the market’s interior spaces is refined and developed through the use of climate-based simulation software. The overall design of the market is developed to create a unique internal culture that connects visitors and merchants while integrating into the site’s context socially, culturally, and environmentally.