Markets in Benin

The project aims to equip 11 municipalities of Benin with modern and functional commercial facilities. It will contribute to curbing the anarchic occupation of public spaces, to a better fluidity of movement around the markets, to a better integration of these facilities in the urban environment, the reduction of insecurity and an increase in the financial resources of the municipalities. The project also aims to create more jobs related to the functioning of markets in Benin.

The mission is therefore part of this ambitious project, which focuses on urban and regional markets. There are several levels of markets: secondary markets at the district level, neighbourhood markets, and regional markets.

Arte Charpentier’s reflection focused on 5 main axes:
– the urban integration of these markets into their immediate environment and into the city: as urban facilities structuring the city, combining flows of goods, regulars and routes, the market must have “a positive contamination effect on the territory”, and be a catalyst for urban renewal;
– everyday social life, because the market must be seen as a “living organ” with the networks that feed it and those that leave it;
– the symbolism of these markets, since, as significant landmarks in the urban fabric, they contribute to the overall image of the city and its readability;
– the modular construction system allowing for adaptation to different sites and scales; a “bioclimatic” envelope capable of creating large volumes and offering high-performance, functional equipment adapted to each merchant;
– the ability to adapt to environmental constraints: climate, sun, heat, humidity and rainfall, etc., utilise natural resources: water, wind, light, energy, etc. and to give priority to measures for resource recovery and recycling.

This project is part of a High Environmental Quality approach. Buildings will therefore have natural lighting and ventilation.