Sustainable Public Market Design in Idaho for Local Agriculture and Culture

SDI Architecture was commissioned to design a dynamic public market in rural Idaho that would function as both a local gathering place and a roadside attraction for travelers. The client envisioned a space that could celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage, elevate the presence of local businesses, and create a cultural landmark rooted in community pride. The resulting design merges sustainability, flexibility, and local identity into a single architectural experience.

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Set along a scenic corridor, the market was conceived not just as a space for commerce, but as an adaptable venue for performances, festivals, and public events. The layout supports vendor stalls, permanent retail kiosks, and open-air spaces that shift with the seasons. Materials were sourced with environmental impact and regional resonance in mind—timber framing, corrugated metal, and locally quarried stone come together to create a structure that feels at once grounded and contemporary.

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Architecturally, the design takes cues from agrarian forms while modernizing their function—creating deep overhangs for shade, open gables for ventilation, and wide spans for flexibility. The market also serves as a cultural anchor, with areas designated for art installations, local storytelling, and rotating exhibits. More than a place to buy fresh produce or handmade goods, the public market offers a sense of belonging and shared identity—a rural hub that reflects the spirit of Idaho’s land and people.