MVRDV’s Tainan Market Blends City With Countryside

The building itself has open sides, thus retaining the feel of an open marketplace. But the roof that protects it from inclement weather will be much more than just that. Terraced gardens separated by walkways and punctuated with benches that invite relaxation will be among the amenities that visitors can enjoy.

The gardens themselves will reflect the character of the market, with various food and ornamental crops being grown on the terraces. Crop selection for each area will be based on orientation and microclimate.

Tainan Market Completion is Expected in Late 2020

A four-story structure houses the market’s administrative offices and an education center where the area’s agricultural crops are exhibited and explained.

The entire construction project is being undertaken by local firms and completion is expected in late 2020. Commentators say that the green roof’s undulating design will be in keeping with the scenic beauty of the area and that the market will provide a visually pleasing and functional link between city and country.

“Tainan, in my opinion, is one of those towns which is so beautiful to me because maybe most of its nature, agriculture fields, farms, sea, and mountains”, says Winy Maas, co-founder of MVRDV. “Tainan Market, can become a building that symbolises this beauty as it compliments both landscape and its surrounding environment. It is completely functional and caters to the needs for auctioning, selling and buying goods, but its terraced roof with its collection of growing products will allow visitors to take in the landscape while escaping from bustle below.’’