Fish `Market`

[PRELUDE]

Fish Markets holds long history as it grew and evolved along with its city. Initially being simple ports where fishermen rowed in and sold their fish directly from their boats. Overtime, people come to mingle and exchange fish knowledge. Nearby shops and restaurants are famed for their fish products. The fish market founds a community and provides for it. Now, people come to the market to watch the daily phenomenon where traders rush in with their goods, and masses of people gather in awe of the auction scene. The fish market is not merely a trading port, but an attraction itself.

[CURRENT]

Globally, fish markets are being renovated or recycled due to the evolving nature of the fish market (e.g. trading port > economic community > attraction), as well as new technology and hygiene standards. A recent example is the fish market at Bergen, which has been modernized to accommodate more programs that appeal to tourists. Open areas have been expanded to provide public space, the waterfront is not a commercial port but an opportunity for mingling with the fish market as its monument.

However, a lot of problems have been raised during the process of renovating fish market. Including the irreversible pollution of the site, as well as the financial strain in clearing out the current market and constructing an entire new building (as extension is not possible, since most equipment are completely replaced, materials weathered, and for hygiene purposes). The commercial purpose of the markets has also faded, and with the architecture not initially designed for tourism purposes, the market remains as a dim spectacle that is visited only occasionally. Due to the above reasons, some fish markets have given up renovation and headed straight for shut down instead.

Fig.1 – Bergen Fish Market (Old)

Fig.2 – Bergen Fish Market (New)

[CASE]

Now, the spotlight falls onto the legend of all fish markets, the Tsukiji Fish Market. Which is being reallocated to Toyosu this November, meaning that its original fish market at the Tsukiji will be shut down. A natural prompt for the reallocation is the weathering of the old market, while another political prompt is to take the opportunity to modernize their famed icon in preparation for the Olympic 2020.

Like all other fish markets renovation projects, Tsukiji is facing the concern of pollution, what’s more is that the outer market (the community) that the Tsukiji has originally given birth to is being left behind. Although the venders have campaigned together to construct a new fish market to coexist with the outer market, which they claim will be catered specifically to industrial professionals, I do not feel that this would be a good solution as their market would be out-shined by the new Toyosu Fish market, which not only provides commercially but also recreationally (tourism, open space, shared waterfront).

Fig.3 – Tsukiji Fish Market Layout

[HOW]

Taking this opportunity, I want to situate my thesis at the Tsukiji site, where its original fish market has been taken away and the outer market is waiting for something new to cling back on to.

Since Tokyo will already have another shining fish market at Toyosu, I do not think that constructing another fish market at Tsukiji is ideal. Instead, a new hybrid which partially retains the commercial market but also includes the evolved nature of the fish market (becoming a spectacle rather than for trading purposes). Potential programs including aquarium/ museum that educates and raises awareness of fish markets, aquaculture open to tourists.

. Site:               Tsukiji Waterfront

. What:             A new spectacle which celebrates the legacy and raises awareness of fish market, a public space to coexist and revitalize the outer market

[OTHERS/ NOTES]

. Research will further look into other the legacy in Tsukiji

. Precedents to be explored will include recent fish market modernization projects, as well as public spaces which uses the theme of ‘fish’ or ‘water’ (e.g. urban park)

Fig.4 – Urban Park Copenhagen

[BIBLIOGRAPHY]

(Fig.3) By 4:30am, Both Sets of Vests Were Taken. “Tsukiji Fish Market Tuna Auction: Worth It to Wake up at 3:45am?” Texan in Tokyo. 2016. Accessed November 04, 2016. http://howibecametexan.com/2013/06/28/tsukiji-fish-market-tuna-auction-worth-it-to-wake-up-at-345am/.