A site near the Zhuhai-Macau border is shared by cross-border shoppers and local residents.
Case study
How can one border site support both quick cross-border trips and longer local use?
Separate circulation loops and connect customs, market, office, and rooftop programs through ramps.
An urban regeneration proposal for a market-led border interface.
This project involves the renovation of an old site located near the Zhuhai Archway Customs Port. The area frequently sees elderly residents from Macau crossing over to Zhuhai to buy fresh produce, making a vegetable market a major requirement for this space. The project, therefore, centers on the concept of a vegetable market, which is designed with two distinct circulation paths to accommodate both cross-border shoppers from Macau and local Zhuhai residents.
One circulation path serves those who come solely to buy vegetables and then quickly return to Macau. The other path is for individuals with broader needs who may need to stay in Zhuhai for longer periods. To simplify the shopping experience for elderly Macau residents, the design features a closed-loop circulation system exclusively for those buying vegetables. This independent route allows them to complete their shopping without the need for repeated customs checks, greatly minimizing bureaucratic procedures. After purchasing their produce, they can return to Macau via the same route without interacting with other building levels, significantly reducing the time and hassle of cross-border travel for this purpose.
The main structure of the building is linked by a network of ramps, which seamlessly connect the customs area to the vegetable market. These corridors are also connected to nearby office buildings, allowing workers to conveniently access the market and dining areas after work. Additionally, the rooftop includes a multifunctional area that combines sports facilities with urban farming, offering a leisure and recreational space for people working in the surrounding high-rise offices.
