Market halls are
remarkable structures. Many have survived two world wars
and drastic changes in the urban landscape. Yet, their role
in the life of the city, while precarious, continues to be
invaluable.
Market halls are public spaces: vital places of social and
economic activity. They are vibrant neighbourhood focal
points and retail sites for small vendors and local food
producers.
The viability of the market hall as civic institution and
public space tells us something about the societies we live
in and the rituals that mark our daily lives.
With its diverse character, the market hall is more than
simply an up-scale alternative to the supermarket.