Small Buildings are Catalysts for Vitality in Markets, Parks, and Squares

The best public spaces have buildings right in the middle of them. This may sound counterintuitive, but if you take a look around, you'll see that it's true. These buildings – usually compact, flexible structures that can support a variety of uses – are the anchors that pull the space together and act as its main focal points.

We sometimes call these buildings pavilions, other times kiosks, stalls, or even the less common term "summerhouses." While they can come in different shapes and sizes, what they have in common is that they are not lightweight temporary structures like market tents or stands, nor are they fully permanent imposing edifices like apartment buildings. They are something in between – structures that add weight and presence to a place but that can be easily shaped and adapted to support whatever uses will elevate it.

They are sturdier than a market tent, allowing them to withstand wind, rain, and cold so the offerings of the public place aren't dependent on the weather. They have strong walls for protection so vulnerable goods can be kept within. And they often have embedded infrastructure that allows for more diverse amenities like plumbing and heat which allow people to access things like bathrooms and hot food. In these ways, such structures significantly expand the features that people can enjoy in a public space.

In Munich's Victuals Market we see a great example. The green-roofed stalls here transform the market from a lightweight setup just passing through into a firmly rooted establishment in the city. They give the market presence and dimension, allowing it to offer all manner of goods and services in every weather condition. On hot days, you can wind through the lanes and peruse the external displays. When a cold chill blows, you can walk deeper under the awnings of the buildings, or even inside them for shelter, as you enjoy endless things to see, smell, and touch.

These buildings are small but can be layered with canopies that allow for different businesses to create their own identities as they branch off the main structure. They can act as sites for temporary setups when there are market days, or coffee windows and street food stands when there are not.

A defining feature of these small structures is that they are very well-integrated with their surroundings. They aren't fully closed off from them, but rather weave into their place context through features like seating, order windows, and external displays of goods. In this way, they enhance the space far beyond their walls.

Because these structures are compact, they can be located anywhere that needs a burst of vitality. They are like seeds – wherever they are planted, public life grows there and thrives.

The beauty of these small structures is that they embody the LQC principle of placemaking which teaches that the best way to start revitalizing and activating a place is through Lighter, Quicker, and Cheaper interventions. Instead of building some large, expensive, permanent structure that may or may not integrate well with the space or be received well by its visitors, you can build something lightweight, simple, and affordable. This means the presence of such a structure will be relatively unobtrusive, and its lightweight nature will allow it to be shaped and adapted to the changing needs of the space. What's more, its low cost and the short time required to build it make it a low risk investment that has high returns because of its catalytic impacts on how people experience the place. The small flexible structure is an attractive and practical way to transform any space into a destination.