Design Thinking for the Regeneration of the Kapani Market

Kapani market is Thessaloniki’s oldest public market and has a long-standing identity as a traditional market for fresh produce, clothing, homeware, and speciality items. Moreover, its physical proximity to other markets and local businesses create a unique local ecosystem that draws local customers and tourists to the city centre. However, the market faces building, infrastructure, maintenance and operational issues and challenges which are sometimes strongly contrasted by the improvements to neighbouring markets and businesses. As a result, Kapani Market is in danger of falling behind in its relevance and attractiveness to customers, and can feel less safe and welcoming for customers and tourists.
KEPA together with designers led the pilot project, whose first phase run from October 2016 to January 2017. Partners also included the municipality of Thessaloniki and its team of 100 Resilient Cities, Professionals Association of the Traditional Markets, Youthnest and Creativity Platform. Three months, two study visits, two co-creation workshops and many hours of co-creation and hard work later, today Kapani has not only an integrated long-term regeneration strategy, but also a new identity to start building its future on. The strategy includes short-term actions such as ‘Identity for Kapani Market’, a medium-term strategy ‘Business Improvement District (BID)’ and a long-term integrated strategy.