Redefining Mercato Nuovo: Restoration and Redesign of the New Market of Rhodes | A diploma thesis by Ioanna Zaki and Eftaxia Karasiotou

This diploma thesis project by Ioanna Zaki and Eftaxia Karasiotou, entitled “Redefining Mercato Nuovo: Restoration and Redesign of the New Market of Rhodes”, is a creative outcome of Ioanna Zaki and Eftaxia Karasiotou. The New Market is an existing remarkable building of Italian architecture that has been recognized as a work of art and is classified as a preserved building in the Neochori urban unit of Rhodes.

The architect of the building is Florestano di Fausto, one of the most well-known and successful Italian architects, who was responsible for its redesign during the second phase of Italian colonization (1923-1936).

Specifically, this building is classified as an urban market, featuring a monumental character with a heptagonal layout.

It spans 7,400 square meters, of which 2,500 square meters are built, while the rest is occupied by the inner courtyard. It is also distinguished by an eclectic rhythm and a plethora of morphological features. The building of the New Market, as designed by the Italians in 1924, consisted of a ground floor and only one floor in the front part of the building, with the fish market located in the center of the inner courtyard. Over the years though, the building underwent various alterations, such as the addition of the rest of the floor in 1950 and the creation of three buildings in the inner courtyard in 1958. 

However, due to the passage of time and the lack of proper maintenance, the building has lost its splendor, resulting in increasing deterioration and the need for restoration. The original function of the building as a food market has gradually faded over the years, with most of the shops being abandoned. Even today, the New Market remains largely neglected, surrounded by coffee shops on its front side and a few scattered tourist shops.

Therefore, the proposal of this thesis concerns the restoration of the ground floor, the demolishment of the floor and the three buildings within the courtyard, since they are deemed to change the building’s original character.

The general intention of the design was to restore the use of the market on all levels of the building in order to redefine its character. Consequently, the concept includes the creation of various retail stores, with dining establishments placed between them, on both the ground and first floor. 

Regarding the floor redesign, it is proposed the construction of divided volumes, that form two corridors on either side, which intersect at various points, creating multiple seating areas and enhancing the feeling of movement in the semi-open spaces.

These volumes are created by a double-layered metal structure surrounded by a metal pergola. 

Another goal of this thesis was the dominance of greenery within the courtyard, and for this reason, a large urban park is created with three proposed seating areas, available to all users. 

Overall, the purpose of the design was the redefinition of the character of the New Market building, respecting at the same time the original design by the Italians, through a more contemporary approach.

Facts & Credits 

Project title Redefining Mercato Nuovo: Restoration and Redesign of the New Market of Rhodes 
Typology Diploma thesis project
Academic semester June 2023
Students Ioanna Zaki, Eftaxia Karasiotou
Supervisor Maria Dousi
Institution School of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki