Providing yet another use of the street –
the backbone of our cities and neighbourhoods. Though these are as old as
ancient cities when people would gather in the main market place to buy and
sell goods, they are portrayed as a “new urban trend.” My perception of street
markets used to be of flea markets, where people bought and sold worn out
goods. But now, street markets cater to all types of shopping to attract all
kinds of people. With the excitement over urban agriculture, people flock to
these markets to buy local food stuffs and fresh produce. This goes in hand
with the “buy local” sentiment where crafts, clothes, and furniture made
locally are sold.
Street markets use existing street
infrastrutucre. They engage communities by encouraging locals to interact in
the market through buying and selling. It supports “sustainable” ideals of
buying local goods. It engages the establishments on the street such as shops
and restraurants. It encourages interaction between the entire street with no requirement
of permanent infrastructure. Market stalls are put up and taken down daily and
the streets return to their primary function. Could all living be that easily
set-up and taken down in a matter of hours? It really sheds light on the
“ecological footprint” cities leave behind, or the footprint a shopping mall
leaves behind… A street market is in essence a shopping mall on a smaller scale
and leaves no sign that it ever existed once it’s gone. Imagine if cities could
limit their footprint like that, or even shrink their footprint…
Image:
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| Street market on The Rocks |
http://youonlyliveonce.com.au/sydney-markets/
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