Market Innovation

Market is a large-scale public space where people may touch with everyday, however, market is also a place that easily causes problems, such as management difficulties, traffic problems, hygienic problems and so on. Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market in Hong Kong is facing these urgent issues right now. YMT Market was founded in 1913 and built the brick buildings in 1920s. The sense of history is reflected in the rusty cabins which have a strong contrast with the adjacent concrete buildings. The wholesalers usually work after midnight and rest in daytime so that it makes this group of people mysterious and also makes market stay away from the city. This thesis aims to find a new type of YMT Market and how it exists in a more energetic and efficient way in the city, therefore, it will be discussed whether the market can merge with infrastructure, landscapes, arts or even more public activities. The market is beginning to innovate.

Fig. 1.Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market(Conserve and Revitalise Hong Kong Heritage. “Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market.” Last modified January 5,2012.https://www.heritage.gov.hk/en/gallery/photo2008/photo_2008041902_01.htm)

Fig.2.Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market((Docomomo Hong Kong. “Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market.” Last modified April 5,2013.http://docomomo.hk/zh/project/yau-ma-tei-fruit-market-2/)

Some precedents are taken as the case studies: 1.Markthal Rotterdam; 2. Enchants Market; 3. Santa Caterina Market Barcelona 4.Inca Public Market; etc.

Fig.3.Santa Caterina Market((Laud8. “Santa Caterina Market.” Last modified March 30,2015.https://laud8.wordpress.com/2015/03/30/santa-caterina-market/)

Key words:1. Problematic Market ; 2. Market and City; 3. Market Innovation;