Blog

Shuiyuan Market (水源市場)

March 2022

Background

The Shuiyuan Public Market in Taipei holds a significant place in the city's history and culture. Originally constructed in 1990 to enhance the cityscape and accommodate nearby vendors, the market has undergone several renovations over the years.

One of the most notable renovations occurred in 2010 when the Taipei City Government invited Israeli artist Yaacov Agam to create a large-scale public art piece titled 'Heart of Shuiyuan.' This art installation, situated within the modernized building, has since become a distinctive landmark in the Gongguan district.

Market Offerings

The market, spanning two floors, offers a diverse array of goods, including fresh produce, vegetables, snacks, daily necessities, beverages, and clothing alterations.

The first floor of the market is a haven for food enthusiasts, featuring a wide variety of food stalls offering cuisines such as stir-fry, buffet, and international dishes. It is especially popular among students from nearby universities, including National Taiwan University.

The second floor of the market caters to shoppers seeking a range of products, from clothing to household items. With its affordable prices and diverse offerings, the market attracts locals and tourists alike.

Conclusion

The Shuiyuan Market stands as a testament to Taipei's rich cultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene. Its blend of tradition and modernity makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.

Photos

1:12莊園精品咖啡 (Coffee Shop )	1:12莊園精品咖啡 (Coffee Shop )

賢夫美食 (Hong Kong Food)	賢夫美食 (Hong Kong Food)

樂樂韓食 (Korean Food)	索菲烤布蕾 (Dessert Shop)

大吉利元寶水餃 (Dumplings)	大山東 (Steamed Bun)

What I've Done for Shuiyuan

2020 - 2022

1. Assist over 90% of Stalls in Adopting Online Payment Methods

2. Resolve Building's Safety Concerns

In 2021, Shuiyuan Market faced public safety concerns due to the absence of 12 cm RC walls, as mandated by the original construction permit license, to separate the first and second floors and prevent fire damage.

Vendors disputed their existence since the market's inception, leading to reluctance in their installation. Collaborating with architects, my office and I sought an alternative solution acceptable to all vendors and regulations. After extensive discussions involving construction and management offices, scholars, experts, and vendors, an agreement was reached to install rolling fire doors next to the escalators, ensuring safety without disrupting vendors' operations.

3. Assist the Market in Achieving a 98% Full Vaccination Rate within a Remarkably Brief Timeframe

To prevent the spread of the virus within the market, vaccination efforts were prioritized. Additionally, measures such as mandatory mask-wearing, QR code registration for contact tracing, temperature checks, and hand sanitization were enforced. Adequate resources were allocated to ensure effective Covid-19 prevention measures across the markets.

4. Provide Essential Guidelines for Hygienic Practices

Offering essential guidelines for hygienic practices ensures a safe and healthy environment for both vendors and customers. Alongside emphasizing proper handwashing techniques, sanitization protocols, and maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces, adhering to guidelines for handling meat and food products, regular maintenance of equipment such as exhaust hoods are also advised and promoted in the market.

What I've Done for Hebin

2020 - 2022

1. Reignite the Hebin Market Reconstruction Project after a 6-month Standstill

The reconstruction project for Hebin Market is essential due to the inadequate seismic resilience of the existing buildings. Initially, there was disagreement between our office and market vendors regarding the location of the temporary market. Our proposal to use a parking area faced resistance from vendors, who argued that their predominantly large electromechanical merchandise and customer base arriving by car made it inconvenient to transport purchases from distant parking areas.

Through extensive facilitation of discussions and numerous meetings involving government officials, elected representatives, and market vendors, the impasse was successfully resolved. As a result, the reconstruction project was back on track, overcoming a six-month standstill.

2. Facilitate the Construction Process of the Temporary Market

To ensure a streamlined construction process for the temporary market, I continuously verify requirements with market vendors, confirming equipment and building needs such as second-floor mezzanines.

Additionally, I assist in small procurements for tasks like air conditioning and internet installation. Collaborating closely with the construction department and architects, I supervise construction activities to maintain standards of quality and efficiency.

3. Supervise and Assist the Re-Election of The Market's Committee Members

To ensure transparency and fairness in governance and foster market development, my responsibility includes overseeing the integrity and smoothness of the voting and ballot counting process.