Abnub Market Design

This project basically aims to address several issues associated with the Abnub market.

Firstly, it aims to develop an alternative facility that can accommodate vendors of vegetables, fruits and other goods so that Tahrir Street can be used again. This will also ensure a safer and more practical working environment for vendors. Many services will be provided to vendors including storage space, but most importantly, a refrigerated space to store their goods which can support the longevity of their products and provide them with more flexibility in how they sell their products.

The development of the market facility will also provide a new, safer and more productive experience for buyers from Abnub and other cities/villages in Assiut. The space will be adequately shaded and well-ventilated. This in turn can attract more visitors and buyers to vendors (even if only hypothetically). The goods and products in the market will be pest-free and have high health standards as appropriate pest prevention and management measures will be put in place in the market building.

The new enclosed building provides essential protection from extreme weather conditions, such as Assiut’s extreme heat and seasonal dust storms, which can negatively impact food quality and the comfort of shoppers and vendors. By providing protection from these elements, the building ensures a more consistent market environment, preventing food spoilage and reducing health risks associated with prolonged exposure to extreme weather.

The enclosed structure enhances security by controlling entry points, helping to prevent theft and unauthorized entry, a common problem in open street markets. This additional layer of protection gives vendors peace of mind, knowing that their goods and stalls are protected, while also creating a safer shopping environment for buyers.

The current use of the land allocated for the development of the market facility is a parking lot and a pedestrian waiting area for minibuses. This is the most central location in Abnub City, which is why such a parking area exists. In the design of the new facility, a parking lot and waiting area for local microbuses will be included as there are no alternative or more suitable areas than this location for a waiting area for local transportation (tuk-tuks and buses) given the proximity of schools, government services and the market. The proposed design for the market includes two structures and an outdoor area (not yet confirmed, but proposed as part of the final design and facilities management considerations) so that the market can adequately accommodate all vendors present in the existing market.