Dissertation thesis examines impacts of markets in public spaces. In the first part it maps market evolution, transformations into indoor market halls, its era of decline and comeback in the form of flea and farm markets into the urban space. Thesis tracks the role of markets as catalytic elements of social and economic climate. In its methodologies the thesis examines characteristics of 18 markets in Prague and Berlin with the aim to describe characteristics of what is a successful market.

3 case studies are developed of markets in public spaces of different qualities (Jiri z Podebrad square, Prague, Kollwitz Platz, Berlin and Svatoplukovo square, Nitra). In the theoretical part the thesis also introduces the definition and principles of catalytic design as a way to plan the city with the focus on evolving process in time and space.

In connection with the issue the author raises the following questions: What defines a successful market? How can markets influence social and economic life in public spaces et vice versa, how can public spaces influence market qualities? Can a high quality designed public space increase positive impacts of markets? How can urban designers, landscape architects and urbanists creatively use the element of the market in urban renovation in wider and long-term planning strategies?

Client: Slovak Agricultural University, Nitra

Published: April 2014