Santa Caterina Market
Enric Miralles; Benedetta Tagliabue / EMBT · Barcelona, Spain · 2005
The renewal of Santa Caterina Market by Enric Miralles and Benedetta Tagliabue gives a traditional food market a conspicuous new roof. Its undulating surface carries a mosaic of coloured ceramic pieces, producing an abstract field that recalls the goods sold below. Completed in 2005, the project brings contemporary construction into a dense historic neighbourhood while retaining elements of the earlier market. The roof's irregular edges and supporting structure are most revealing from the surrounding streets. At ground level, stalls, entrances and nearby housing make the building part of ordinary neighbourhood life. Visiting: Free access during market opening hours. Food purchases cost extra.