Evolution of Wet Market

“People are interested in what happened and the stories behind genuine historic places. History is not a list of what happened, but a story about what happened.”

WHAT?

In the Chinese cultural context, market means a constant place with collective goods for trading, which appeared about 2500 years ago. It is by Tang Dynasty that markets with major functions ,the East market and West market, were planned in the capital city of Chang-an. In addition, market is not only a commercial gathering place, “and, more importantly, the range of products, tell us a great deal about a local community, including its unique tastes, which are usually related to the geography of the region, the economy of the community and the cultural life of the people” (Lee, Hoyin and Lynne DiStenfano, 2003).

In Hong Kong, various open markets or street markets tell a great deal of stories of its locality, like the Wanchai open market, Graham Street market. Moving from outdoor to indoor, residents’ activities are kept away from nature, the efficiency and convenience simplify the daily life of citizens. To keep the unique of Hong Kong alive in the new era, this thesis aims to bring the culture features back and rearrange the current shopping experience in the current market space.

WHY?

Within the context of globalization, the appearance of cities grow similar, urbanization has left the cultural features behind. Therefore, realizing the value of vernacular architecture is of utmost importance.

Market, as the commercial center of a community, largely reflects the commercial activities of specific groups. From street market, open market, to the super market, wet market complex, the evolution of wet market is suggest the modify of life style. During the development of new districts in Hong Kong, traditional markets tend to be replaced by the international style market complexes. No doubt that the new types of marketing has both strengths and shortages. How to understand and learn from the vernacular, moreover, explore the new form of marketing will affect the future of communities in Hong Kong.

HOW?

Through taking the most historic street market — Graham street market as the research site, the traditional way of buying and selling and the spirit of place will be explored. By comparing wet market in different ages, I will propose to fine out the characteristics that define the market and forecast the better strategies for new market evolution.

In conclusion, my thesis is about looking into the traditional markets in Hong Kong and try to figure out a strategy to improve the current wet market.