Soul Market Assistant
The SOUL Market is a design solution to the accessibility issues that face outdoor farmers markets. The market assistant also addresses the sense of community by providing a central point at which visitors may gather around and mingle. It also provides storage power and other amenities that enhance the market experience.
The Problem
The farmers markets of Atlanta are not always the most friendly in terms of accessibility. They are often in make shift locations with ever changing topography, weather conditions, crowd size, and differing market layouts. The question was how might we address a certain issue we observed at these markets with respect to accessible design.
Field Research
The first step was to go out and talk to people. We wanted answers to questions like who is coming to the market, what is working well with the existing market layout, what isn't working well with the existing market layout. We wanted to observe people and how they flowed through the space. Where were there issues? What made the market run well.
We also had the opportunity to speak with the directors of the market as well as older generations that visited the market that we were specifically designing for.
Insight and Research Synthesis
After gather interview results and compiling data collected from the cite visit. We created affinity maps to layout specific needs and wants that were voiced as well as design criteria. This helped us create different design solutions. We kept piecing together solutions until we arrived at our preliminary concept.
Inspiration
The design was inspired by ingenious foldable design. The Soul Market would be responsible for creating space out of limited space so the way the module expanded was the focus of our design.
Concept Iteration and Modelling
I began the iterative process of sketching and quickly mocking up concepts with chip board and foam board to quickly visualise some of our solutions.
Concept Sketches
Final Concept: The Soul Market Assistant
The SOUL Market assistant addresses the issue of community multi-function space. We felt that what the markets lacked was a central point that the market could revolve around. A place that might host demonstrations, provide shade on hot days, be host to information and advertising, and have a voice of its own. Our console would serve as the heart and soul of the market and support the functions through its inclusive and accessible design.
Easy setup allows seamless integration within the Farmers Market. The module allows for shade with umbrella stands. There is also counter space that allows for demo space and a place where patrons can mingle and gather around. A speaker system and power outlets provide added functionality.
Thank You!
