Experimental Project of Public Space and New Concept Market in Gargždai

With rapid technological development and globalization, the traditional market is no longer attractive to residents as much as it used to be. As society modernizes, the environment must also change, and the market is no exception. The idea of ​​the market as a public space is a relevant and important research object in today's society due to its potential to improve the community, healthy lifestyle, physical activity, sustainability, aesthetic urban environment, and economic growth. The research carried out during the master's thesis as a useful insight to create a new concept of the market, which includes not only traditional trade, but also becomes a lively social square.

To achieve this, the territory of the market and the market itself are created as a public space, which combines various functions that meet people's needs. The main activities of the marketplace are combined with new functions: community center, catering and event organization, and service provision. Multifunctional, universal spaces are created, which can be adapted to the needs of the community and can change in the future or be used for non-commercial functions. The historical-cultural identity of the city is restored in the projected area, using the motifs of the historical street and the market square, a strong connection with the existing environment is also preserved. Great attention is paid to creating new natural connections that can have continuity with future changing surrounding areas. The principles of sustainable regeneration are applied to the marketplace - the use of sustainable materials, energy-saving design, water-saving strategies, waste reduction, and preservation of the specific identity of the place.