The Mercado de Abastos, also called Mercado Arquitecto Sánchez Arcas Ingeniero Torroja, is a functionalist building in the municipality of Algeciras, province of Cádiz. Designed by architect Manuel Sánchez Arcas in collaboration with civil engineer Eduardo Torroja Miret in 1935, this structure replaced a market built in 1827. The market's main feature is its dome, which is an astounding 9 cm thick with no internal support.
This architectural marvel is upheld by eight peripheral pillars that create cylindrical visors, which allow light into the interior and support the dome's immense weight. In 2001, the market was declared a 'bien de interés cultural' by the Consejería de Cultura of the Junta de Andalucía as the best example of architecture in the region. Since its inauguration, the market has been one of the local center points, hosting the main marketplace and serving as a primary element in some of the city's most notable celebrations.
The previous market was a square design with four entrances and inward stalls, finished in 1827. By 1928, it had become obsolete and repairs were insufficient, so a new building began construction outside the city in the Huerta del Ancla area. Strong citizen opposition to this project caused the works to be abandoned, and a competition was called for a new market in its original location. The project was presented by Sánchez Arcas and Torroja and approved by the city council. Construction began in 1934 and concluded in 1935.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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