Tainan West Market and Neighboring Area Redevelopment Project

The site of this project is a bustling hub of activity, boasting a thriving market, numerous private residencies, and a collection of stunning monuments collectively known as the "Kuohua Business District" within Taiwan's highly competitive national tourism market. However, despite its many charms, this location has been plagued by several issues that have hindered its growth and development in recent years. For instance, the market is currently characterized by a scattered and unplanned layout that has made it difficult for businesses to thrive. At the same time, the ongoing renovation of the monuments has caused significant disruptions to local business activities.
In response to these challenges, a major focus of this project is to establish a strong spatial connection between the old and new buildings in the area. By creating a more cohesive and integrated design that takes into account the unique needs of each individual business, the team hopes to create a more vibrant and dynamic environment that will foster greater economic growth and prosperity. Additionally, the team aims to optimize the layout and movement of the market and vendors, creating a more organized and efficient shopping district that will attract a larger consumer base and drive local economic activity. Through these efforts, the team is confident that this project is able to revitalize the local economy and help this once-struggling area to reach its full potential.
The central plaza serves as the heart of the complex, connecting Qiancao Shopping Zone, the main building, the Banana Warehouse, the fish stalls, and the Guohua Street stores. The sunken plaza is also included in the plan to offer a relaxing spot for tourists and locals. To manage crowds during peak times, three main entrances and exits were designed. The interior columns and booths were reconfigured to create the impression of multiple rooms. A modular approach was implemented to locate the stalls for ease of future management. The front and back spaces of each independent store are reserved with a 1.35-meter-wide passage at the back for loading and unloading of goods. Eaves and working catwalks provide shelter from the rain and assist with operation and maintenance. The front side is reserved for crowd queuing to prevent queues from extending to the middle of the road. Trees are planted around the complex to offer shade for pedestrians.
The edifice’s construction is primarily composed of steel plates and steel structures. In order to impart a feeling of lightness to the "Fish Paste Noodle Making Area," the roof's height is elevated from the "Banana Warehouse" and then gradually lowered towards the common dining area corridor. This innovative design scheme provides a more spacious ambiance to the interior. On the side facing Guohua Street, the roof has a herringbone-pitched design that incorporates multiple lightweight windows on the building. This feature promotes optimal air convection, which in turn allows for natural circulation and ventilation inside the building. The marketplace setting is rendered cool and comfortable owing to this ingenious design.
This project aims to create a comfortable, healthy, and environmentally friendly marketplace environment by utilizing a plethora of eco-friendly materials as the primary building materials. The roof design is compliant with the U-value (thermal transmittance) regulations, and recycled green building materials are used in the light compartments. All materials used are free of formaldehyde and asbestos. Additionally, the interior is painted with eco-friendly latex paint, which has a low VOC content, significantly reducing its impact on the environment. The open-frame ceiling design is waterproof, fireproof, and anti-mold and anti-bacterial, ensuring that tourists and citizens alike can have a fun-filled and relaxing experience while helping to achieve the goal of sustainable development.