Āgenskalns is a neighbourhood in Riga, the capital city of Latvia. The total area of Āgenskalns neighbourhood is 4.6 square kilometres, and it has an official population of 23 223 (as of January 2024). The neighbourhood is well connected to other districts of the city, and its vicinity to the city centre and abundance of green zones make it an attractive place for residents and businesses. Āgenskalns neighbourhood is envisaged in Riga city development plans as a residential area to be developed by means of advancing green infrastructure and developing science and education centres as the campuses of three universities are located near Āgenskalns.

Āgenskalns Market is a central place and a landmark in the Āgenskalns neighbourhood. It is a historical food market opened in 1898 which has periodically functioned as the main market on the left bank of Daugava River (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Figure 1. Riga (top), interior of Āgenskalns Market (bottom) Source: Āgenskalns Market Team.

In 2018-2022 the market underwent vast reconstruction based on a private-public investment arrangement. It was reopened in 2022. With the help of the IN-HABIT project, the market was gradually transformed into a multifunctional food hub. The prior experience of Kalnciema Quarter (an SME and practice partner in the IN-HABIT project) in the development of another farmer market in Āgenskalns has shown the potential of food in revitalising urban spaces and social life (Grivins, et al., 2017). The intervention led to infrastructural improvements and an extensive programme of social, cultural and educational events organised at the market. Thus, it is a case where a traditional market is transformed into a multifunctional food hub – a place for sustainably produced and locally sourced food, but also a space for various economic, social, educational, cultural and recreational activities that contribute to the inclusion and well-being of the local community.

The choice to focus on food was predicated on the idea that it is a powerful force that shapes individual health and social dynamics within urban environments (Roe et al., 2016; Richmond et al., 2024; Vaivadaite & Navickiene, 2024). Thus, it was a recognition of the practical import of food, rather than academic interest that underpinned this choice. Food is a way to address broader issues associated with inclusive health and well-being, and sustainability. Indeed, the plan foresaw that the market would continue to function as a space for selling goods. However, it would also provide cultural and educational opportunities, thus acting as a kind of community or cultural centre in the neighbourhood, contributing to different aspects of health and well-being.

This leads us to the importance of multifunctionality. Urban markets develop various other functions related to social, health, education, environment or the circular economy. These functions usually receive little support from the government, though they may have significant societal impact. Davila et al. (2022) suggest that the more urban agriculture projects depend financially on food production, the less they are inclined to develop a multitude of functions, and that the projects with different sources of income can afford to explore more options. This is evident in the operation of Āgenskalns market, which continuously seeks to diversify its sources of income while working with a coherent vision for the market. In addition to revenue from vendors, various public funding streams are sought to diversify and secure income, such as social entrepreneurship programmes, sponsorship and EU-level research and innovation programmes. This allows the market team to design activities with the involvement of various food system stakeholders, neighbourhood groups, cultural associations, educational establishments, media, and more.

There is also an architectural foundation for this multifunctionality. As an art nouveau building Āgenskalns market is a representation of belle epoque from the beginning of 20th century when central markets in European cities were among the most important urban institutions. They were places for conviviality and social interaction. Nowadays, historical markets try to reinvent and modernise their functions, and introduce new services by means of urban planning and architectural approaches (Béjaoui, 2022). Such efforts are also a key direction pursued within the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative. Specifically, multifunctionality aligns with sustainability goals and the zero net land take paradigm – the initiative promotes the revitalisation of existing functionally devalued urban spaces via renovation projects and their adaptation to serve new purposes that bolster neighbourhood vitality. (European Commission, et al., 2024, p. 287) Moreover, the multifunctionality of renovated spaces is contingent on implementing design principles that ensure accessibility, as well as diverse amenities that serve a wide range of users.

Multifunctionality is also linked to the topographic nature of a marketplace. Market processes – the negotiation and exchange of commodities – are place-based (Coles, 2021). This means that economic interactions taking place at the market are embedded in the rich materiality, sociality, sensuality and meanings associated with place. Seale (2016) views urban markets as places of material and symbolic economies. De Backer & Pavoni (2018) suggest that urban markets are places susceptible to aggregation of people and ‘thickening’ of their relationships. Āgenskalns Market provides an example of such a multifunctional food hub which is co-created in a participatory and collaborative process in IN-HABIT.

Finally, the multifunctionality of Āgenskalns Market was inherently linked to diversity and inclusion. Multifunctionality acts against economic, social and cultural exclusion, with the inclusivity of cultural events and opportunities for socialisation in the neighbourhood offsetting the potential exclusion or crowding out effects of other developments enabled by the market (cf. Morales, 2009). The team worked closely with market managers, private investors, other businesses, architects, urban planners, NGOs, research organisations and neighbourhood communities to openly design and develop solutions that meet the needs of various publics.

In conclusion, as pointed out by Woźniczka (2023), recently there has been a shift in the way public spaces are categorised and discussed in the academic community and beyond: “Instead of classifying them based solely on their functions, they are considered nowadays in terms of the aspirations and values held by those who manage them and those who use them” (Woźniczka, 2023). This aligns with the stated goals of Āgenskalns Market team and their alignment with NEB initiative. The overarching goal of NEB (led by the European Commission) is to foster a sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing transformation of living spaces and communities across Europe (European Comission, n.d.). Furthermore, NEB emphasises the need for continuous improvement in the quality of urban planning. (Bilić & Šmit, 2024; Woźniczka, 2023). Āgenskalns Market serves as a real-life example of a public space striving to embody NEB priorities, including through the interventions deployed as part of IN-HABIT that aimed to strengthen the multifunctionality and inclusivity of the market.

The interventions focused on: (i) improvements to physical public infrastructure in and around the territory of Āgenskalns Market in Riga, and (ii) the promotion of food related educational and consumption practices. This approach coalesced into four main directions of work: (i) transformation of the outdoor marketplace, (ii) community kitchen, (iii) minimisation of waste at the market, and (iv) an online food purchasing system. Over time, however, the fourth direction (online market) lost its relevance, and a decision was made to focus on a variety of social and cultural events (described in more detail below).

To achieve the vision described above, several activities were planned and implemented. The Riga team developed several “soft” (social and cultural) and “hard” (infrastructural, tangible) solutions. ¹ In practice they have taken shape together and there is an inherent relationship between hard and soft solutions as infrastructural changes were the foundation for many cultural activities, while the latter allowed for the identification of further infrastructural needs that ensure that the market is both multifunctional inclusive.

Monitoring and evaluation are essential to understanding the project’s true contribution, but it is crucial to acknowledge the methodological issues and limitations imposed by the challenging context in which it was implemented. Establishing a compelling link between the project’s activities and specific IHW outcomes, and extracting this from the influence of confounding contextual variables is challenging. Furthermore, the task of assessing the impact of Āgenskalns Market is rendered even more challenging by the turbulent political and economic climate of the period in which it was renovated, completed and opened to the public (e.g., pandemic, Russian invasion in Ukraine).

The study’s reliance on a non-random sampling strategy, primarily relying on visitors to the market and users of social media, introduces the potential for self-selection bias. Individuals who frequent the market may have particular interests or demographics that do not accurately represent the broader community (e.g., over 80 % of survey respondents were female). Consequently, the findings may not be generalisable to the entire population affected by the project. Additionally, the sample size of the study and the differences between the baseline and subsequent surveys may limit the statistical power to detect significant differences in outcomes.

The team started the project with several general assumptions about the impact of VIS in the neighbourhood and beyond (see Appendix 1). However, the methodological approach of IN-HABIT required the involvement of the community in the monitoring and evaluation exercise. Consequently, a co-articulation of key indicators to focus upon was done via a participative and co-creative approach in 2020-2021, which relied on the perspective of local residents.

However, the research team had to refine this initial co-articulated framework during the course of the project, primarily due to significant political (e.g. Russian invasion in Ukraine) and economic (e.g., high inflation) changes in the intervening years. Practical considerations, such as research fatigue and data collection feasibility, also played a role in shaping the final selection of indicators. Finally, we prioritised those indicators where we could most plausibly attribute changes to the interventions implemented as part of our project. For example, initially, the monitoring and evaluation framework also considered various indicators of economic well-being (e.g., satisfaction with one’s personal financial situation), but it became apparent that many of these sub-dimensions were not meaningfully linked to project activities. Consequently, for the research and monitoring activities in 2024, we revised the initial list of assumptions about impact to focus on ones that could be captured by the methods we had at our disposal (see below). Our approach was further developed with focus group participants (July 2024), who were asked to provide their understanding of how the impact of the market should be approached and conceptualised now that it has been open for just over two years. The following themes were generated from an overview of the discussion transcript:

Increased activity in the market and neighbourhood overall.

The latter were not, unfortunately, fully integrated into the monitoring framework that forms the basis of this paper but will be implemented in 2025. However, the data we have, while based on an evolving framework of indicators, paint a nuanced picture.

In the surveys conducted to assess the impact of Āgenskalns Market on various dimensions of health and well-being, respondents were asked to evaluate one of the four directions of work using a six-point scale (0-5, with 5 being high positive impact) based on statements prepared by IN-HABIT project partners from the University of Turin (UNITO). The vast majority of respondents selected only two options. The results are summarised below (Table 1).

Table 1. Table 1. Survey on mental and physical well-being (six-point scale (0-5)) Source: Own elaboration.

Generally, the two chosen directions of work appear to have contributed to emotional (subjective) well-being at both the individual and neighbourhood levels, with a positive impact (3 or higher) on social relations in the neighbourhood, though to different extents. A positive impact (3 or higher) can also be observed with regard to the provision of additional opportunities to participate in healthy activities, with cultural and educational events having a notably higher perceived impact. Notably, the reduction of social discrimination is lower than was initially anticipated (Table 2).

Table 2. Table 2. Survey on social and cultural well-being (six-point scale (0-5)) Source: Own elaboration.

The results are broadly similar in the sense that the same statements have received a score above 3, with cultural and educational events scoring higher across the board. On the whole, the surveys indicated that the VIS in question scored well in terms of their impact on social, subjective and, to some extent, physical well-being, with economic well-being scoring lower. Environmental well-being was not explicitly addressed.

The chosen proxies for changes in social well-being (used in both the baseline study and the surveys in 2024) indicate moderate increases throughout.

In particular, in 2021, 61 % of the respondents reported meeting frequently with friends and relatives in public spaces (once a month or more). In 2024, this number has grown to 74 %. This suggests that the overall level of social engagement has increased in the intervening years, indicating that the market has become a place where people socialise (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Figure 4. Changes in social well-being Source: Own elaboration.

In 2021, 76 % of respondents agreed that the neighbourhood’s image had improved over two years. In 2024, the percentage had risen to 88 %, and the market was suggested as a key contributor. Responses to open-ended question further support this, with 19 respondents stating that the market has become more socially significant and that they regard it as the neighbourhood’s centre. Likewise, the percentage of respondents who replied that feeling a sense of community with people in one’s neighbourhood is important or very important to them had grown to 42 %. Furthermore, 31 % noted that the sense of community had become stronger over the last two years (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Figure 5. Changes in social engagement Source: Own elaboration.

In regard to social inclusion, the picture is slightly more complicated (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Figure 6. Changes in social inclusion Source: Own elaboration.

The percentage of respondents who disagreed with the statement “In the neighbourhood where I live no one is left alone” remained largely the same. Nonetheless, in 2021, 58 % reported that finding help in their neighbourhood is easy. In 2024, this number had grown to 74 %.

Furthermore, the market is seen as an inclusive place, as suggested by the results from 2024:

94 % agree that Āgenskalns market is frequented by people of all ages.

In open-ended responses on factors that contribute to neighbourhood well-being, thirteen respondents replied the market promotes inclusivity. By contrast, ten respondents did not find the market inclusive. They felt it benefits only a subset of people, generally identifying affordability as a barrier, which ties into concerns regarding the market’s impact on economic well-being. Notably, some indicated that high prices have led them to visit the market less frequently, avoid purchasing general food items, or seek alternative shopping venues. Importantly, a few viewed the market primarily as a place that provides affordable shopping, with one positing that the shift to a multifunctional format has diminished this role to an extent.

As regards the cultural offer and recreational opportunities in Āgenskalns, the results indicate a positive trend (Figure 7).

Figure 7. Figure 7. Changes in recreational opportunities and attendance of cultural events Source: Own elaboration.

Ther percentage of respondents who replied that (i) it was easy to participate in cultural events and (ii) they were satisfied with the way they spend their free time had increased. In particular, 81 % of those who felt satisfied with the way they spend their free time noted that the market is at least partially responsible for these changes, with 37 % noting that the impact has been significant. The percentage of respondents who reported attending cultural activities in public and green spaces increased slightly, from 9 % in 2021 to 13 % in 2024. Of note is that in open-ended responses on aspects that contribute to neighbourhood well-being 75 respondents listed specific market functions, with the majority (65) citing various recreational activities such as attending events or socialising in the market’s dining areas. Overall, the market appears to have positively influenced the cultural offer and quality of leisure in the neighbourhood.

The table in the above section on VIS suggests that the activities at Āgenskalns market have made a moderately positive contribution to physical wellness (Figure 8). Survey responses to other questions seem to paint a similarly moderate picture. Crucially, however, 41 % of respondents noted that Āgenskalns market has positively affected the accessibility of healthy food.

Figure 8. Figure 8. Contribution to physical wellness

As for spatial well-being, survey results indicate that the perception of safety in the neighbourhood has moderately improved (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Figure 9. Changes in the perception of safety in the neighbourhood

A higher percentage of people feel safe walking and cycling without being afraid of becoming a victim of an accident, and people feel safer walking alone after dark. Responses to open-ended questions suggest a close connection between subjective and environmental/spatial well-being. Environmental aspects were noted by 45 survey respondents, with 28 reporting positive emotional responses such as joy, an uplifted mood, and a sense of comfort. Specific factors highlighted include a positive atmosphere (20 respondents), a well-maintained and clean environment (15), aesthetic appeal (9), and convenience (4). Respondents also noted a significant improvement in the market’s appearance compared to its pre-renovation state and appreciated the addition of various amenities that enhance accessibility (lift, street curbs, ramp, drinking fountain).

Overall, all focus group participants regarded the revitalisation of Āgenskalns Market and its development into a multifunctional hub favourably. They noted that the market and neighbourhood have become livelier, drawing both locals and visitors from other parts of the city. Changes in visitor demographics were seen as an indicator that the market has become more attractive to people from various backgrounds, notably young people and families with children. The multifunctional format, a diverse range of activities, aesthetic appeal and accessible infrastructure were regarded as key contributing factors.

Focus group participants suggested that the revitalisation process could have a broader impact, such as the potential to stimulate the local economy and inspire greater social engagement, including more active participation in neighbourhood associations and community decisions. Moreover, as one participant noted, the expanding range of amenities helps foster satisfaction with one’s neighbourhood and increases the motivation to stay. Perceived reduction in individuals experiencing homelessness and substance abuse issues in the neighbourhood was also attributed to the market’s efforts.

However, participants also highlighted areas that require further improvement. Seniors highlighted the need for additional activities and spaces within the market tailored specifically to the needs of the elderly. Additionally, focus group participants expressed an overall concern that the new market format may alienate older adults and lower-income groups.

While the focus group discussions concentrated mainly on the impact of the current re-opened market, the stories told by local residents offered a glimpse into the past, describing the historic market and often comparing it to the revitalised one. The stories reveal that, compared to the past, the current vision of the market and its surroundings is seen as less fragmented. The storytellers are aware that the new concept of the market is broader, with a greater range of functions, and they also attend different cultural events, corroborating the claim that the perceived functions of the market have become more diverse, due, at least in part, to the VIS implemented at the market. Finally, it can be observed that market visits, both in the past and the present, often function as part of the weekly routine of residents. The regularity of the visits underlines the potential of the market to contribute to local inhabitants’ subjective and social well-being.

Regular observations and event monitoring allowed us to categorise different types of events taking place at the market, including trade, social, cultural, educational, and environmental events. All event types share a common goal of enhancing local residents’ well-being across different impact dimensions. It must be noted, however, that different event types may have varying frequency and attendance, therefore it is beneficial to describe the impact of each event type separately (Table 3).

Table 3. Table 3. Main impact dimensions of different types of events Source: Own elaboration.

Economic and trade events (most frequent) may also seem the most “traditional” for a marketplace; however, in Āgenskalns Market, they are often advertised with certain seasonal and sustainability themes, making them potentially more appealing to different target audiences. For instance, in autumn 2024, the market had “Mushroom Day”, “Potato Festival”, “Apple Celebration”, and “Pumpkin Day”, as well as monthly Vintage Market Sundays. The market team has sought ways to promote economic well-being through this type of event; for instance, by giving a chance to people to save by taking advantage of special promotions. Some events also improve environmental well-being by offering the reuse and exchange of things and promoting circular practices.

Social events are less frequent, and their main impact dimensions are subjective and social well-being (inclusion, social cohesion, participation and social engagement, acting against discrimination, and promoting equal opportunities). However, a substantial contribution was also observed with regard to the promotion of healthy lifestyles (leisure and free time, cultural consumption and production, physical health) and subjective well-being (sense of belonging, psychological well-being, experiencing togetherness with others).

Cultural events are aimed primarily at social well-being (inclusion, civic and social engagement) and subjective well-being (sense of belonging, psychological well-being). They contribute to healthy lifestyles (in terms of cultural consumption and production, leisure and free time), although the cultural offer at the market is seldom framed in the same way as the offer of cultural institutions and art establishments. Some cultural events may have a pedagogical intention, for example, artistic performances aimed at improving the participants’ critical thinking.

Educational events are related to food and sustainable consumption; therefore, the primary impact pathway is the popularisation of healthy lifestyles (healthy food habits, knowledge and skills of meal preparation, food saving, food planning, healthy nutrition, local and seasonal products, etc.). Learning to cook, sharing food knowledge, and practising meal preparation together can be considered a contribution to the physical well-being of participants as these activities enhance skills and competencies and eventually may result in more healthy nutrition and consumption habits. This is particularly important in the case of young people and children. In the meantime, educational events as a form of joint learning and group activity contribute also to social well-being (inclusion, engagement), subjective well-being and spatial and environmental well-being.

The impact of environmental events relates mainly spatial and environmental well-being of people participating in activities such as tree planting at the market, growing in the community garden, plant and seed exchange, and gardening workshops. Environmental events also relate to economic well-being as activities usually involve DIY-style workshops and practical learning of environmental solutions. Environmental events aim to develop the skills of participants and result in improved green territories and solutions for the entire Āgenskalns community.

For the regular observations that we conducted in the market, we visited the market during regular days and events. However, when analysing the event observations, we noticed a challenge to identify which observed characteristics would most relate to the impact of an event on the individuals and the community. One of the observed characteristics was the increased flow of market visitors during the events. The observation was also supported by the preliminary data collected by people counters that were installed in the market. Nevertheless, the increase in the number of visitors did not suggest a straightforward conclusion about the expected impact.

We also took note of the visitor groups and types of interactions between the visitors. As a result, while not entirely sufficient as a stand-alone method, the observations helped to corroborate the results from other methods such as surveys and focus groups. For instance, they supported the finding that the multifunctional market has positively influenced the cultural offer and quality of leisure time in the neighbourhood.