Miaozihu Island Arch Market

The pier market is a venue infused with coastal wilderness charm. Strategically located adjacent to the passenger terminal on Miaozihu Island (the main island of Dongji Islands), it serves both local residents and tourists by providing waiting facilities, commercial services, and catering options, while also functioning as a "public living room" for over 200 local households.

Leveraging the elevation difference between the original swimming pool base and the seawall, the design creates split-level spaces that connect the market seamlessly with the passenger terminal. Visitors arriving at the pier access the market via grand staircases on either side, which guide them to tiered sea-view terraces sheltered under the archway structure—dubbed the "big umbrella." The open, permeable spatial layout is ideal for casual strolling and outdoor vending, while also adapting to the unpredictable coastal weather.

Considering Dongji's extreme climatic conditions, the pier building is engineered to withstand typhoons up to Category 15 and coastal wave impacts. Concrete arches were selected as the core structural element to meet these rigorous requirements.

The design incorporates multi-layered semi-outdoor "grey spaces," offering flexibility for market operations. This adaptability ensures a high-quality user experience regardless of seasonal variations or tourist flow fluctuations.

Project Information

Client: Dongji Town Government

Project Location: Miaozihu Island

Scale: 1,500 ㎡

Design Period: 2023

Project Status: Design Proposal

Design Scope: Architectural Concept Design

Awards: First Prize, "Hello Island" International Public Architecture Competition