Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Ver-o-peso Market

Belém

Brazil

Contributed by 
Pedro Rivera
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
July 15, 2005
December 14, 2017

A permanent market on the Amazon River with over 2000 tents.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

An amazing market by the Amazon River. The market has more than 2000 tents. It is a historical site, and was recently renewed.

Access & Linkages

Located in the city centre, on the margins of Guajará Bay, it is accessible by the people who come from the nearby islands by boat.

Comfort & Image

The place is full of life, densely occupied with people and products from the Amazon. The fish market, a steel construction imported from Glasgow in 1901, is the most memorable image of the city.

Uses & Activities

The market is open from 4:00am to 15:00pm. People from all social classes use the market. It is where they buy the traditional products from the Amazon.

Sociability

The people here are very friendly, although there are few pick pockets.

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

I worked on the architectural project for the market renewal in 2000. The market, although very important to the city, was decaying before the renewal. Middle class people were afraid of going there; there were many pickpockets, the conditions were very unsanitary, etc.

Tensile structures were built to substitute to the old, precarious wood and fibrocement stalls. This old structure was also so dark, so that you needed to have artificial lights during the day! We also restored the old buildings, like the fish market (iron one), and planned the reurbanization of the area.

There was no official process of evaluating conditions before and after the renewal, but in conversations with the sellers, they affirm that they improved their sales. The market became clear, clean and organized. The number of visitors, both locals and tourists, increased.

Products are delivered both by truck and boat. The boats arrive very early in the morning, bringing the native products and fish.

Related Links & Sources

Ver-o-peso Market
Ver-o-peso Market
Ver-o-peso Market
Ver-o-peso Market
Ver-o-peso Market
Ver-o-peso Market
Ver-o-peso Market
This aerial image was taken before the renewal project.
Ver-o-peso Market

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

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