An artisan market in Nicolás Bravo,
design: AIDIA STUDIO
The Artisan Market in Nicolás Bravo, a small municipality in the state of Quintana Roo on the picturesque Yucatan Peninsula, is a project born out of an ambition to improve life in less developed corners of Mexico - the result of a government urban planning program. It was created for locals to showcase their crafts and local products to the world. Behind the concept is AIDIA STUDIO, a team co-founded by Natalia Wrzask, a graduate of Gdansk University of Technology. It's a place where the tourist boom around Mayan ruins meets the everyday life of Yucatán, opening the door to a fascinating story about architecture with a mission.
Artisan market in Nicolás Bravo, Mexico - in addition to its commercial function, the market serves as a social center
Photo by Andrés Cedillo © AIDIA STUDIO
genesis and goals of the project
The market was designed for the residents of the municipality of Nicolás Bravo, which has a population of less than 5,000 people. The region, while rich in cultural and natural heritage, faces challenges related to limited access to infrastructure and economic opportunities. The government initiative that created the market aimed not only to improve living conditions, but also to provide a platform to promote local craft traditions. The market allows for the sale of products such as handicrafts, textiles and food products that reflect the cultural identity of the Yucatán community.
Artisan market in Nicolás Bravo, Mexico - the project included the creation of a multifunctional space
Photo by Andrés Cedillo © AIDIA STUDIO
In addition to its commercial function, the market serves as a social center. The facility regularly hosts cultural events such as exhibitions, demonstrations of traditional manufacturing techniques and educational workshops. These activities are intended to support the development of local residents' skills, as well as build social ties in a region that has so far remained on the sidelines of major tourist and economic routes. The project envisaged the creation of a multifunctional space that would cater to both local producers and visitors, contributing to the sustainable development of the municipality.
The market was designed with the residents of the Nicolás Bravo municipality in mind
Photo by Andrés Cedillo © AIDIA STUDIO
climate-proof architecture
The structure of the market was designed with the principles of architecture that is resistant to changing environmental conditions, which is particularly important in the tropical climate of Yucatán, characterized by high temperatures, humidity and periodic downpours. The design uses materials and construction techniques that minimize the need for frequent maintenance. The base of the structure is a lightweight steel frame that provides stability while reducing the weight of the building.The walls are made of colored concrete slabs and reinforced concrete, which guarantee durability in harsh weather conditions. The colored concrete blocks and the roof cladding and clay brick paving reference local building traditions, while providing functionality and aesthetic contrast with the surroundings.
Artisan market in Nicolás Bravo, Mexico - the project uses materials and construction techniques that minimize the need for frequent maintenance
Photo by Andrés Cedillo © AIDIA STUDIO
The area of the market is 7700 square meters and is based on a structural grid with an 8 × 8 meter module. Fifty commercial booths are arranged in this area, providing ample space for artisans and vendors. A key element of the design is the vaulted roof, inspired by the form of a hyperbolic paraboloid with a wavy shape.
The area of the craft market in Nicolás Bravo is based on a structural grid with a module of 8 × 8 m
© AIDIA STUDIO
The canopy, which resembles inverted umbrellas, creates a rhythmic arrangement. It not only distinguishes the building visually, but also serves a practical function - protecting it from the sun and rain while allowing natural ventilation. Two green courtyards are located in the central part of the market, bringing elements of nature into the interior and supporting the concept of biophilic design.
Artisan market in Nicolás Bravo, Mexico - bird's eye view
Photo by Andrés Cedillo © AIDIA STUDIO
architectural form and integration with the landscape
The massing of the building is characterized by a combination of functionality and a clear reference to the local context. The roof, composed of corrugated modules resembling rounded triangles, gives the building a dynamic character. Its rhythmic layout contrasts with the simple geometric lines of the walls, painted in a green color that harmonizes with the surrounding vegetation. The low elevations emphasize the horizontal nature of the building, allowing it to blend harmoniously into the vast Yucatan landscape, dominated by flat land and tropical vegetation.
Artisan market in Nicolás Bravo, Mexico - low elevations emphasize the horizontal character of the building
Photo by Andrés Cedillo © AIDIA STUDIO
Two central courtyards, planted with greenery, serve as recreational spaces and further strengthen the building's connection to nature. Open spaces between the rooftop modules allow daylight to enter, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving occupant comfort. The area around the market has been landscaped with plant beds and trees, which creates a natural frame for the massing and emphasizes its role as a dominant feature in the space. This layout promotes interaction between users and the environment, while maintaining a balance between the development and nature.
Artisan market in Nicolás Bravo, Mexico - site plan
© AIDIA STUDIO
importance for the community and tourism
The project is more than just a market - it is a place that combines economic, social and cultural functions. For the local community, the facility represents an opportunity for economic development by selling products directly to tourists who visit the region because of its proximity to Mayan archaeological sites. The market stalls, arranged in a logical and accessible manner, allow for the display of a variety of products, from traditional textiles to fresh fruits and vegetables, strengthening the local economy and promoting a sustainable consumption model.
Artisan market in Nicolás Bravo, Mexico - drawing of individual stands
© AIDIA STUDIO
Equally important is the market's role as a cultural center. The workshops and educational events held here allow locals to pass on their knowledge of traditional craft techniques to the next generation, and offer tourists the opportunity to learn more about Yucatán culture. In this way, the market becomes a bridge between the local community and visitors, fostering cultural dialogue and creating awareness of the value of the region's heritage.
An artisan market in Nicolás Bravo, Mexico shows how architecture can support the development of less developed areas
Photo by Andrés Cedillo © AIDIA STUDIO
The design of the market in Nicolás Bravo is an example of architecture that successfully combines functionality with concern for the local social and environmental context. The lump with a distinctive roof in the form of a hyperdoloid paraboloid, the use of sustainable materials and integration with nature through green courtyards make the market stand out from other developments in the region. At the same time, its role as a commercial and social center underscores the importance of user-centered design. The initiative demonstrates how architecture can support the development of less developed areas, combining tradition with modernity and creating a space that is conducive to both residents and tourists.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of AIDIA STUDIO.
