Local practice b720 Arquitectos, headed by Fermín Vázquez, was faced with the formidable task of putting order into Els Encants Vells while retaining its organic, streetwise character. They did so by creating a giant ’canopy’ for the sellers - an 800 sq m open-sided platform under which the cabin-like stalls are arranged in a gently sloping formation. The canopy itself consists of sculptural metallic ’leaves’, supported on elegant, thin poles tilted towards the sky. Their shiny surfaces reflect not only the frenzy of market activity below but also that of the pedestrians hovering around, bringing street life into the realm of Els Encants Vells and vice versa.

Barcelona's storied flea market Els Encants Vells has reopened after a major overhaul by local architecture practice b720. Photography: Rafa Vargas