Regaining a sense of belonging
Alpen-Adria-Market Hall Villach
Alpen-Adria-Market Hall Villach
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall is Villach’s new Alpen-Adria-Genussmarkthalle, bringing together regional farmers, artisans, and food lovers in a vibrant, sustainable marketplace. Open six days a week, it blends local tradition, fresh produce, and modern digital services, offering a unique shopping and culinary experience. With eco-friendly design, transparent supply chains, and smart mobility solutions, Josefsmarkt sets a new standard for urban markets. Regional, fresh, and future-ready!
Austria
Regional
Alpe-Adria-Region (Carinthia, Parts of Slovenia and Italia)
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2025-02-01
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall project in Villach is a visionary initiative aimed at modernizing and integrating the city's existing market structures while promoting sustainability, regional economic growth, and digital innovation. Currently, Villach hosts three independent weekly markets and several occasional markets, each operating autonomously without centralized management or a unified marketing strategy. To enhance the market infrastructure and create a more efficient, attractive, and sustainable marketplace, the city has acquired three properties at Kaiser Josef Platz to construct a new, larger market hall. This market hall will not only serve as a permanent venue for fresh, regional, and sustainably produced goods but also act as a central hub for economic, cultural, and social interactions.
The primary goal of the project is to create a unified and well-organized market environment that strengthens regional food production, enhances the visibility of local producers, and encourages short supply chains. By consolidating the existing weekly markets and integrating them with a continuously operating market hall, the initiative aims to increase the accessibility and attractiveness of local agricultural products. This will be achieved by ensuring that the market hall operates under resource-efficient principles from the outset, focusing on sustainable delivery, waste management, and energy consumption. Key measures include the implementation of alternative, energy-saving refrigeration and heating systems, a centralized cooling network for vendors, and the use of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic installations and heat pump technology. Additionally, rainwater collection will be utilized for irrigation and sanitary purposes, aligning the project with Villach’s broader urban sustainability efforts.
The target groups for this project encompass a wide range of stakeholders. Local farmers, food producers, and artisans from Villach and the broader Alpe-Adr
The primary goal of the project is to create a unified and well-organized market environment that strengthens regional food production, enhances the visibility of local producers, and encourages short supply chains. By consolidating the existing weekly markets and integrating them with a continuously operating market hall, the initiative aims to increase the accessibility and attractiveness of local agricultural products. This will be achieved by ensuring that the market hall operates under resource-efficient principles from the outset, focusing on sustainable delivery, waste management, and energy consumption. Key measures include the implementation of alternative, energy-saving refrigeration and heating systems, a centralized cooling network for vendors, and the use of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic installations and heat pump technology. Additionally, rainwater collection will be utilized for irrigation and sanitary purposes, aligning the project with Villach’s broader urban sustainability efforts.
The target groups for this project encompass a wide range of stakeholders. Local farmers, food producers, and artisans from Villach and the broader Alpe-Adr
Sustainability
Regional Food
Digital Innovation
Urban Mobility
Community Engagement
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall in Villach is built on sustainability, integrating energy efficiency, waste reduction, urban mobility, and regional food systems. It sets a new standard for eco-friendly markets, demonstrating how infrastructure can be both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
The market will reduce energy consumption using solar power, heat pumps, and a centralized cooling system with heat recovery. Rainwater collection will support plant irrigation and sanitary facilities, while a decentralized ventilation system improves air circulation.
To promote local food systems, the market will prioritize short supply chains from the Alpe-Adria region, reducing transportation emissions. A QR-code tracking system will provide full product transparency, enhancing consumer trust.
The project will also minimize car dependency by implementing bike-sharing, cargo e-bikes, and improved public transport access. The market’s construction will use locally sourced, recyclable materials, ensuring a low environmental footprint and modular adaptability.
By embedding sustainability into its core structure, Josefsmarkt serves as a model for modern urban markets, proving that sustainable infrastructure, green technologies, and digital innovation can create a future-proof, community-driven marketplace.
The market will reduce energy consumption using solar power, heat pumps, and a centralized cooling system with heat recovery. Rainwater collection will support plant irrigation and sanitary facilities, while a decentralized ventilation system improves air circulation.
To promote local food systems, the market will prioritize short supply chains from the Alpe-Adria region, reducing transportation emissions. A QR-code tracking system will provide full product transparency, enhancing consumer trust.
The project will also minimize car dependency by implementing bike-sharing, cargo e-bikes, and improved public transport access. The market’s construction will use locally sourced, recyclable materials, ensuring a low environmental footprint and modular adaptability.
By embedding sustainability into its core structure, Josefsmarkt serves as a model for modern urban markets, proving that sustainable infrastructure, green technologies, and digital innovation can create a future-proof, community-driven marketplace.
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall in Villach is designed as more than just a marketplace—it is a vibrant, multifunctional hub that blends modern architecture, cultural identity, and social interaction. The project integrates aesthetic urban design, sustainable materials, and digital engagement, creating an inviting space that enhances Villach’s urban landscape.
A key objective is to create a harmonious and welcoming architectural design that balances tradition and modernity. Open, light-filled spaces, natural materials like wood and stone, and green elements such as rooftop gardens and indoor plants ensure a warm atmosphere. The layout is carefully planned with wide, accessible pathways, clear stall arrangements, and dedicated gathering spaces, encouraging visitors to spend time at the market and fostering community interaction.
The market hall also serves as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and seasonal festivals that highlight local craftsmanship, traditions, and food culture. A rotating exhibition space will showcase regional artists, making the market a dynamic cultural destination. The connected gastronomy area will offer freshly prepared regional specialties, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
To further enhance visitor engagement, digital tools such as an interactive market app and QR-code tracking system will provide real-time product information and vendor details, reinforcing transparency and trust. A digital display within the market will share Villach’s food heritage, connecting modern technology with cultural storytelling.
Lighting and ambiance play a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere. Natural light from glass facades will keep the space bright during the day, while warm LED lighting will enhance the market’s appeal in the evenings. Thematic lighting installations will add a festive touch during cultural events.
This project stands out by transforming a conventional market into a holistic urban experience.
A key objective is to create a harmonious and welcoming architectural design that balances tradition and modernity. Open, light-filled spaces, natural materials like wood and stone, and green elements such as rooftop gardens and indoor plants ensure a warm atmosphere. The layout is carefully planned with wide, accessible pathways, clear stall arrangements, and dedicated gathering spaces, encouraging visitors to spend time at the market and fostering community interaction.
The market hall also serves as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and seasonal festivals that highlight local craftsmanship, traditions, and food culture. A rotating exhibition space will showcase regional artists, making the market a dynamic cultural destination. The connected gastronomy area will offer freshly prepared regional specialties, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
To further enhance visitor engagement, digital tools such as an interactive market app and QR-code tracking system will provide real-time product information and vendor details, reinforcing transparency and trust. A digital display within the market will share Villach’s food heritage, connecting modern technology with cultural storytelling.
Lighting and ambiance play a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere. Natural light from glass facades will keep the space bright during the day, while warm LED lighting will enhance the market’s appeal in the evenings. Thematic lighting installations will add a festive touch during cultural events.
This project stands out by transforming a conventional market into a holistic urban experience.
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall in Villach is designed as an inclusive and accessible space, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of background or ability, can participate. It goes beyond traditional markets by integrating barrier-free design, affordability measures, participatory governance, and cultural diversity, making it a model for urban market infrastructure worldwide.
A key focus is physical accessibility, with step-free access, wide aisles, seating areas, and tactile guidance systems. Hearing loops and multilingual digital displays will make the market more inclusive for people with disabilities and non-German speakers.
The market will also ensure affordability, offering varied pricing models, including discounts for low-income families, seniors, and food assistance programs. Food solidarity initiatives will redistribute unsold fresh products to social organizations, reducing waste and increasing access to healthy food.
A participatory governance model will be established through the Josefsmarkt Association, where vendors, farmers, consumers, and officials collaborate on market operations, pricing, and events. This will empower small-scale producers and strengthen community ownership.
To promote social and cultural diversity, the market will integrate vendors from different backgrounds, creating opportunities for migrant entrepreneurs. Seasonal festivals and food exchange programs will reinforce community engagement and cultural dialogue.
The project also introduces shared economy and digital inclusion models, such as a cooperative product pre-ordering system and a digital food-sharing network. A shared kitchen and food lab will offer cooking classes and nutrition workshops, promoting community education and engagement.
By prioritizing physical accessibility, economic fairness, and cultural inclusion, Josefsmarkt redefines public marketplaces, making them socially connected and community-driven spaces.
A key focus is physical accessibility, with step-free access, wide aisles, seating areas, and tactile guidance systems. Hearing loops and multilingual digital displays will make the market more inclusive for people with disabilities and non-German speakers.
The market will also ensure affordability, offering varied pricing models, including discounts for low-income families, seniors, and food assistance programs. Food solidarity initiatives will redistribute unsold fresh products to social organizations, reducing waste and increasing access to healthy food.
A participatory governance model will be established through the Josefsmarkt Association, where vendors, farmers, consumers, and officials collaborate on market operations, pricing, and events. This will empower small-scale producers and strengthen community ownership.
To promote social and cultural diversity, the market will integrate vendors from different backgrounds, creating opportunities for migrant entrepreneurs. Seasonal festivals and food exchange programs will reinforce community engagement and cultural dialogue.
The project also introduces shared economy and digital inclusion models, such as a cooperative product pre-ordering system and a digital food-sharing network. A shared kitchen and food lab will offer cooking classes and nutrition workshops, promoting community education and engagement.
By prioritizing physical accessibility, economic fairness, and cultural inclusion, Josefsmarkt redefines public marketplaces, making them socially connected and community-driven spaces.
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall in Villach is a community-driven project, ensuring citizen participation and civil society engagement from planning to operation. Through public forums, surveys, and workshops, local residents, vendors, and businesses have shaped the market’s layout, product offerings, and sustainability strategy, making it a reflection of real community needs.
Key stakeholders, including farmers, vendors, and small businesses, actively contributed to the market’s economic model. The Josefsmarkt Association, a governing body with representatives from these groups, ensures shared decision-making and long-term sustainability. Vendors influenced rental costs, stall design, and digital payment systems, ensuring an economically viable and accessible marketplace.
Civil society organizations have shaped sustainability initiatives, food donation programs, and inclusion strategies, ensuring that the market offers opportunities for migrant entrepreneurs and low-income communities. The project also fosters youth engagement, with schools and universities contributing digital tools such as the Josefsmarkt mobile app for pre-ordering and vendor interactions.
The impact of this deep citizen involvement has resulted in a more inclusive, user-friendly, and socially connected market. Strong public support has reinforced the market’s role as a cultural and economic hub, where diverse social groups can interact and celebrate regional traditions.
By embedding participatory urban planning, Josefsmarkt sets a new benchmark for democratic urban development, ensuring broad civic engagement, stronger local networks, and long-term economic benefits.
Key stakeholders, including farmers, vendors, and small businesses, actively contributed to the market’s economic model. The Josefsmarkt Association, a governing body with representatives from these groups, ensures shared decision-making and long-term sustainability. Vendors influenced rental costs, stall design, and digital payment systems, ensuring an economically viable and accessible marketplace.
Civil society organizations have shaped sustainability initiatives, food donation programs, and inclusion strategies, ensuring that the market offers opportunities for migrant entrepreneurs and low-income communities. The project also fosters youth engagement, with schools and universities contributing digital tools such as the Josefsmarkt mobile app for pre-ordering and vendor interactions.
The impact of this deep citizen involvement has resulted in a more inclusive, user-friendly, and socially connected market. Strong public support has reinforced the market’s role as a cultural and economic hub, where diverse social groups can interact and celebrate regional traditions.
By embedding participatory urban planning, Josefsmarkt sets a new benchmark for democratic urban development, ensuring broad civic engagement, stronger local networks, and long-term economic benefits.
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall in Villach is the result of multi-level collaboration involving local, regional, national, and European stakeholders. This broad engagement has ensured the market is sustainable, economically viable, and aligned with urban development policies.
At the local level, the City of Villach has led planning, land acquisition, and infrastructure development, ensuring alignment with sustainability and mobility strategies. Local vendors, farmers, businesses, and civil society groups have actively shaped the market’s operational model, leading to the creation of the Josefsmarkt Association for participatory governance. Universities and research institutions have contributed to digital innovation, including the QR-code-based product tracking system and Josefsmarkt mobile app.
At the regional level, agricultural cooperatives and food networks have ensured priority for short supply chains and regional products, while environmental groups advised on sustainable materials, waste reduction, and renewable energy solutions. Tourism and cultural organizations have helped integrate regional identity and traditions into the market concept.
At the national level, the project aligns with Austria’s sustainability and urban development policies, securing funding for green infrastructure, water recycling, and mobility solutions. The market supports Austria’s goals to reduce carbon emissions, promote the circular economy, and enhance food security.
At the European level, integration into EU sustainability programs, such as Interreg, has enabled cross-border collaboration and funding. European research institutions have contributed expertise in digital innovation, smart logistics, and supply chain transparency.
This multi-stakeholder approach has diversified funding, enhanced sustainability, and created a holistic and inclusive market model.
At the local level, the City of Villach has led planning, land acquisition, and infrastructure development, ensuring alignment with sustainability and mobility strategies. Local vendors, farmers, businesses, and civil society groups have actively shaped the market’s operational model, leading to the creation of the Josefsmarkt Association for participatory governance. Universities and research institutions have contributed to digital innovation, including the QR-code-based product tracking system and Josefsmarkt mobile app.
At the regional level, agricultural cooperatives and food networks have ensured priority for short supply chains and regional products, while environmental groups advised on sustainable materials, waste reduction, and renewable energy solutions. Tourism and cultural organizations have helped integrate regional identity and traditions into the market concept.
At the national level, the project aligns with Austria’s sustainability and urban development policies, securing funding for green infrastructure, water recycling, and mobility solutions. The market supports Austria’s goals to reduce carbon emissions, promote the circular economy, and enhance food security.
At the European level, integration into EU sustainability programs, such as Interreg, has enabled cross-border collaboration and funding. European research institutions have contributed expertise in digital innovation, smart logistics, and supply chain transparency.
This multi-stakeholder approach has diversified funding, enhanced sustainability, and created a holistic and inclusive market model.
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall in Villach is an interdisciplinary project that integrates expertise from urban planning, sustainability, agriculture, digital innovation, and mobility to create a modern, efficient, and community-driven marketplace. By combining these diverse knowledge fields, the project ensures that the market hall is not only functional and economically viable but also environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive.
A key aspect of the project is its architectural and urban planning approach, which prioritizes natural light, green roofs, rainwater collection, and energy-efficient ventilation. This collaboration between architects and environmental engineers ensures that the market is both aesthetically appealing and eco-friendly, making it a model for low-carbon urban development.
Another crucial element is sustainable energy management, with specialists implementing solar power, heat pumps, and a centralized cooling system with heat recovery. These innovations significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption, aligning the market hall with EU sustainability goals.
The project also focuses on regional food systems and digitalization. Agricultural experts have shaped the market’s short supply chains and transparent sourcing strategies, ensuring that products come from local farmers and are easily traceable through a QR-code-based system. This enhances consumer trust and promotes regional food networks. At the same time, technology specialists have developed a Josefsmarkt mobile app, offering digital ordering, cashless payments, and automated pre-ordering systems, making shopping more convenient and accessible.
Mobility experts have played a key role in reducing car dependency by integrating bike-sharing, cargo e-bikes, and improved public transport access, supporting Villach’s traffic reduction and sustainability strategies.
A key aspect of the project is its architectural and urban planning approach, which prioritizes natural light, green roofs, rainwater collection, and energy-efficient ventilation. This collaboration between architects and environmental engineers ensures that the market is both aesthetically appealing and eco-friendly, making it a model for low-carbon urban development.
Another crucial element is sustainable energy management, with specialists implementing solar power, heat pumps, and a centralized cooling system with heat recovery. These innovations significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption, aligning the market hall with EU sustainability goals.
The project also focuses on regional food systems and digitalization. Agricultural experts have shaped the market’s short supply chains and transparent sourcing strategies, ensuring that products come from local farmers and are easily traceable through a QR-code-based system. This enhances consumer trust and promotes regional food networks. At the same time, technology specialists have developed a Josefsmarkt mobile app, offering digital ordering, cashless payments, and automated pre-ordering systems, making shopping more convenient and accessible.
Mobility experts have played a key role in reducing car dependency by integrating bike-sharing, cargo e-bikes, and improved public transport access, supporting Villach’s traffic reduction and sustainability strategies.
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall integrates innovative and sustainable solutions that can be replicated in other cities and markets. Key scalable elements include solar-powered energy systems, centralized cooling with heat recovery, and rainwater collection, which help modernize markets while reducing environmental impact.
The QR-code-based tracking system enhances transparency in supply chains, allowing regional producers greater visibility while promoting sustainable consumption and short supply chains. The Josefsmarkt governance model, based on a participatory market association, provides a framework for transparent decision-making and community involvement, which can be adapted by other urban markets.
The digital ecosystem, including mobile ordering, automated sales points, and integrated digital payments, offers a replicable approach to improving accessibility and modernizing customer experiences. Additionally, the sustainable mobility solutions, such as cargo e-bikes, bike-sharing, and multimodal transport integration, provide a model for reducing car dependency and enhancing green logistics in urban centers.
Finally, educational and cultural engagement strategies, including food literacy programs, community workshops, and cultural events, can be implemented in other public markets to strengthen social cohesion and engagement.
Overall, Josefsmarkt serves as a replicable blueprint, merging sustainability, digitalization, and local economic development, offering a scalable model for future urban markets.
The QR-code-based tracking system enhances transparency in supply chains, allowing regional producers greater visibility while promoting sustainable consumption and short supply chains. The Josefsmarkt governance model, based on a participatory market association, provides a framework for transparent decision-making and community involvement, which can be adapted by other urban markets.
The digital ecosystem, including mobile ordering, automated sales points, and integrated digital payments, offers a replicable approach to improving accessibility and modernizing customer experiences. Additionally, the sustainable mobility solutions, such as cargo e-bikes, bike-sharing, and multimodal transport integration, provide a model for reducing car dependency and enhancing green logistics in urban centers.
Finally, educational and cultural engagement strategies, including food literacy programs, community workshops, and cultural events, can be implemented in other public markets to strengthen social cohesion and engagement.
Overall, Josefsmarkt serves as a replicable blueprint, merging sustainability, digitalization, and local economic development, offering a scalable model for future urban markets.
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall tackles global challenges through localized, sustainable solutions that can be scaled to other urban markets. A key focus is climate change and environmental sustainability, achieved by integrating solar power, heat recovery, and rainwater collection, significantly reducing emissions and resource consumption.
The project also strengthens food security by prioritizing short supply chains and regional farmers, reducing dependence on imports and promoting fresh, seasonal, and sustainable food options. This approach enhances regional food networks while lowering emissions from long-distance transportation.
As cities expand, maintaining accessible and green public spaces becomes more challenging. Josefsmarkt transforms urban markets into pedestrian-friendly hubs with cargo e-bikes, bike-sharing, and public transport integration, making urban mobility more sustainable and replicable.
The market also supports local economic resilience, providing small-scale farmers and artisans with a well-managed, affordable marketplace. By integrating participatory governance and digital innovation, Josefsmarkt ensures fair market access for diverse entrepreneurs, including migrant and low-income producers.
Beyond commerce, the market fosters social inclusion and community engagement through educational workshops, cultural events, and participatory management, making it a vibrant social and cultural anchor.
By addressing climate change, food security, sustainable urbanization, economic resilience, and social cohesion, Josefsmarkt provides a replicable model for creating sustainable, inclusive, and future-proof urban markets worldwide.
The project also strengthens food security by prioritizing short supply chains and regional farmers, reducing dependence on imports and promoting fresh, seasonal, and sustainable food options. This approach enhances regional food networks while lowering emissions from long-distance transportation.
As cities expand, maintaining accessible and green public spaces becomes more challenging. Josefsmarkt transforms urban markets into pedestrian-friendly hubs with cargo e-bikes, bike-sharing, and public transport integration, making urban mobility more sustainable and replicable.
The market also supports local economic resilience, providing small-scale farmers and artisans with a well-managed, affordable marketplace. By integrating participatory governance and digital innovation, Josefsmarkt ensures fair market access for diverse entrepreneurs, including migrant and low-income producers.
Beyond commerce, the market fosters social inclusion and community engagement through educational workshops, cultural events, and participatory management, making it a vibrant social and cultural anchor.
By addressing climate change, food security, sustainable urbanization, economic resilience, and social cohesion, Josefsmarkt provides a replicable model for creating sustainable, inclusive, and future-proof urban markets worldwide.
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall is an innovative urban market that integrates sustainability, digitalization, smart logistics, and community-driven governance, redefining markets as dynamic hubs for sustainable consumption and economic development. Unlike conventional markets, Josefsmarkt combines technology, mobility solutions, and participatory management to create a modern and accessible marketplace.
A key innovation is the QR-code-based product tracking system, which provides full supply chain transparency, allowing consumers to access real-time information on product origins and sustainability. This digital approach strengthens regional food networks and fosters consumer trust.
The project also introduces a smart logistics and mobility model, replacing car-dependent transport with cargo e-bikes, bike-sharing, and multimodal connections. A 24-hour automated self-service sales system with refrigerated lockers extends market accessibility beyond traditional hours, modernizing the shopping experience.
A defining feature of Josefsmarkt is its participatory governance model, managed by the Josefsmarkt Association, where vendors, small businesses, and institutions jointly oversee operations. This cooperative framework ensures that the market remains financially sustainable, socially inclusive, and community-driven.
Sustainability is at the core of the project, with renewable energy, circular economy principles, and green infrastructure integrated throughout. The market incorporates solar power, centralized cooling with heat recovery, rainwater collection, and sustainable construction materials, creating a fully eco-conscious urban space.
Ultimately, Josefsmarkt blends tradition with technology, sustainable urbanism, and community engagement, making it a benchmark for future urban markets in Europe and beyond.
A key innovation is the QR-code-based product tracking system, which provides full supply chain transparency, allowing consumers to access real-time information on product origins and sustainability. This digital approach strengthens regional food networks and fosters consumer trust.
The project also introduces a smart logistics and mobility model, replacing car-dependent transport with cargo e-bikes, bike-sharing, and multimodal connections. A 24-hour automated self-service sales system with refrigerated lockers extends market accessibility beyond traditional hours, modernizing the shopping experience.
A defining feature of Josefsmarkt is its participatory governance model, managed by the Josefsmarkt Association, where vendors, small businesses, and institutions jointly oversee operations. This cooperative framework ensures that the market remains financially sustainable, socially inclusive, and community-driven.
Sustainability is at the core of the project, with renewable energy, circular economy principles, and green infrastructure integrated throughout. The market incorporates solar power, centralized cooling with heat recovery, rainwater collection, and sustainable construction materials, creating a fully eco-conscious urban space.
Ultimately, Josefsmarkt blends tradition with technology, sustainable urbanism, and community engagement, making it a benchmark for future urban markets in Europe and beyond.
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall follows a holistic and participatory methodology, integrating sustainability, digitalization, economic viability, and community engagement. The approach is structured into key phases, ensuring stakeholder collaboration, research-driven decision-making, and adaptive planning.
The first phase focused on stakeholder engagement, involving local farmers, vendors, consumers, and policymakers through workshops, surveys, and public forums. This bottom-up planning approach ensured that the market reflects local needs rather than being imposed as a top-down project.
Simultaneously, technical feasibility studies and sustainability assessments guided the integration of renewable energy, water recycling, and sustainable construction materials. Experts in urban planning, energy efficiency, and environmental engineering developed strategies for solar power, heat pumps, centralized cooling, and rainwater harvesting, shaping the architectural and operational framework.
A key innovation was the integration of digital technology and smart logistics, including a QR-code-based product tracking system, a 24-hour automated self-service market, and multimodal transport solutions. Research teams collaborated on prototyping and testing, refining features based on user feedback.
The governance model introduced a cooperative association, allowing market participants to actively manage operations, ensuring financial sustainability, democratic decision-making, and long-term adaptability.
By combining urban planning, sustainability, digital innovation, and stakeholder governance, Josefsmarkt establishes a replicable and future-oriented model, setting a new standard for urban market transformation.
The first phase focused on stakeholder engagement, involving local farmers, vendors, consumers, and policymakers through workshops, surveys, and public forums. This bottom-up planning approach ensured that the market reflects local needs rather than being imposed as a top-down project.
Simultaneously, technical feasibility studies and sustainability assessments guided the integration of renewable energy, water recycling, and sustainable construction materials. Experts in urban planning, energy efficiency, and environmental engineering developed strategies for solar power, heat pumps, centralized cooling, and rainwater harvesting, shaping the architectural and operational framework.
A key innovation was the integration of digital technology and smart logistics, including a QR-code-based product tracking system, a 24-hour automated self-service market, and multimodal transport solutions. Research teams collaborated on prototyping and testing, refining features based on user feedback.
The governance model introduced a cooperative association, allowing market participants to actively manage operations, ensuring financial sustainability, democratic decision-making, and long-term adaptability.
By combining urban planning, sustainability, digital innovation, and stakeholder governance, Josefsmarkt establishes a replicable and future-oriented model, setting a new standard for urban market transformation.
The Josefsmarkt Market Hall has delivered transformative results in sustainability, digital innovation, urban mobility, and economic development, benefiting local businesses, consumers, and the broader community. By combining sustainable infrastructure, smart logistics, and community-driven governance, the project has set a new standard for modern urban markets.
A major achievement is the creation of an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly market infrastructure. The integration of solar panels, heat pumps, centralized cooling with heat recovery, and rainwater harvesting has lowered emissions, minimized waste, and introduced circular economy principles. Locally sourced, eco-friendly materials further reduce the market’s environmental footprint.
The project has also strengthened regional food systems by promoting short supply chains. Direct partnerships with local farmers have reduced transportation emissions, while a QR-code tracking system provides full transparency on product origins, increasing consumer trust and demand for regional products.
Economically, the market has created a stable business environment for local farmers and small vendors, ensuring fair prices and accessible retail space. The Josefsmarkt Association fosters participatory governance, stabilizing vendor income and operational costs. Digital retail solutions like contactless payments, mobile app ordering, and a 24-hour automated sales system further expand business opportunities.
Socially, Josefsmarkt serves as a cultural and educational hub, hosting food education programs, workshops, and public events to promote sustainable consumption and local food awareness. The market is also physically and economically inclusive, with barrier-free access and affordability initiatives for lower-income families.
Urban mobility has improved through bike-sharing, cargo e-bikes, and enhanced public transport connections, reducing car dependency, traffic congestion, and emissions.
A major achievement is the creation of an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly market infrastructure. The integration of solar panels, heat pumps, centralized cooling with heat recovery, and rainwater harvesting has lowered emissions, minimized waste, and introduced circular economy principles. Locally sourced, eco-friendly materials further reduce the market’s environmental footprint.
The project has also strengthened regional food systems by promoting short supply chains. Direct partnerships with local farmers have reduced transportation emissions, while a QR-code tracking system provides full transparency on product origins, increasing consumer trust and demand for regional products.
Economically, the market has created a stable business environment for local farmers and small vendors, ensuring fair prices and accessible retail space. The Josefsmarkt Association fosters participatory governance, stabilizing vendor income and operational costs. Digital retail solutions like contactless payments, mobile app ordering, and a 24-hour automated sales system further expand business opportunities.
Socially, Josefsmarkt serves as a cultural and educational hub, hosting food education programs, workshops, and public events to promote sustainable consumption and local food awareness. The market is also physically and economically inclusive, with barrier-free access and affordability initiatives for lower-income families.
Urban mobility has improved through bike-sharing, cargo e-bikes, and enhanced public transport connections, reducing car dependency, traffic congestion, and emissions.
