CASE STUDY

Research by: Samantha Miller

Edited by: Nicole Brekelmans

Case study compiled in 2019

 

 

Project: Market Lands

Type of Urban Strategy: Circular Economies

Type of Project: Public Market / Public Plaza

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Date Designed/Planned: 2018

Construction Completed: TBA

Designer: Daoust Lestage

 

Previously the home of the Winnipeg Public Safety Building and Civic Parkade, the site of the Market Lands is right in the heart of Winnipeg’s Exchange District. The project is called the Market Lands because this was the place where the city would host public markets, and was the centre of commerce and trade at the time of Winnipeg’s founding. CentreVenture began the search for a design firm to create a new design for this area, and started a design competition. The winning submission was awarded to Daoust Lestage whose design impressed the jury the most. Designed to be built on top of the shadow of the original market building, the winning design featured an elegant Market Building with a sustainable residential building to the north. The plan provides a clear continuation of flow northward and connects the space visually with the Red River College buildings, Old Market Square, and City Hall. The Market Building, although simple, will be full of glazing to allow plenty of sunlight through at all times. The glazing allows for transparency and connection with the surroundings. The mixed-use building is designed with sustainable principles and seamlessly fits in with the massing of the surrounding buildings. This project is an excellent example of circular economy because it encourages individuals to buy from local businesses as they did back when Winnipeg was founded. Having an attractive centre for a local market right in the heart of the cultural district will help to bring people to the space and encourage gathering. Circular economies aim to provide for human needs and improve quality of life while reducing social and environmental harm- this case study does just that.