The new market building is planned in an area that has been the central market’s location since 1947 but has failed to keep up with the times. The market currently consists of a handful of shabby buildings and strips of tired tin roofs. Although according to the map, the market is right in the heart of the city, the surrounding Keldrimäe neighbourhood mostly consists of large prefab concrete apartment blocks.
The area of the planned market is divided into two sections, with the market and office spaces located to the east, and apartment buildings to the west. The quarter is designed as a car-free area, with the placement of the buildings supporting pedestrian pathways and creating a natural pattern of movement that guides people to the Central Market square.
The Central Market area will be complete with landscaping, street art and a larger park area for enjoying the evening sun and fresh market produce. While visually compatible with the Keldrimäe neighbourhood, the market quarter brings a lot of greenery to the area.
Its key feature is the market building, which combines an indoor market, a large grocery store, technical facilities, underground parking, and office spaces. The market building has a powerful roof canopy that folds over the entire market area. The building appears to rest on three legs, making it resemble a bridge and creating an open and inviting space beneath. The shared office above the market has a distinctive wavelike floor, making it possible to create spaces with a different ambience. The spacious atrium and roof terraces create unique workspaces.
The area between the buildings has a light, articulated design with added character from the coloured paving, which is arranged to resemble contour lines, creating the optical illusion of an undulating landscape. In the centre of the square, there is a sculpture of a market sparrow, which will keep an eye on every event held there.
The layout of the apartment buildings ensures that they are slightly separated from the market bustle, filled with natural light and surrounded by great views.