A market thrives because on account of the people behind every stall. At Cuenca’s 12 de Abril market, vendors spend long days surrounded by fresh food, with little chance to rest, eat well , or take a break themselves. That insight became the starting point for La Plaza Viva, a once-empty plaza reimagined as a place to pause, with shade, seating, a garden, and room for vendors and their families to gather and recharge. This case study explores how small changes to the market space can help vendors and visitors live healthier every day.