Convenience on Wheels

Keywords: Traditional Markets, Motobike, Market Reimagination

Markets in Vietnam are more than just places of commerce; they embody the values and culture of the Vietnamese people. Throughout history, these markets have adapted its characteristics to the country’s many developments. Originally informal gatherings held a few days a month in any open field, they evolved to include permanent infrastructure, facilitating daily trade. However, with changing population preferences and a shift toward a busier, fast-paced lifestyle, the market’s form are once again poised to change. While currently experiencing a decline in performance, the markets can be reimagined by embracing new systems of circulation, accommodating modern modes of transportation, and introducing relevant programs that cater to the current population’s lifestyle, thereby reinvigorating their role in the community.

Traditional markets in Vietnam have been integral to the country’s economic and social fabric for centuries, embodying the values and culture of the Vietnamese people. Throughout history, these markets have adapted to the country’s numerous developments: originally informal gatherings held a few days a month in open fields, they evolved to include permanent infrastructure, facilitating daily trade. However, with changing population preferences and a shift toward a busier, fast-paced lifestyle, the form of markets is once again poised to change.

In response to the decline of traditional markets, this thesis explores their evolution, significance, and relevance in the 21st century and proposes a vision for their next evolution to adapt to changing economic conditions, infrastructural developments, and societal needs.

Using a multidisciplinary approach, this thesis uses historical analysis, field observations, and interviews with market vendors and patrons. The findings reveal that traditional markets have continuously evolved in response to infrastructural advancements and shifts in consumer behavior. During the feudal dynasties, markets served as essential hubs for trade and community interaction. The French colonial era introduced modern building techniques and strategic relocations near ports, enhancing market accessibility and diversity. In recent times, markets face challenges from online shopping and instant delivery services, yet they remain vital for preserving cultural heritage and supporting local economies.

The research also uncovered that a new mode of modern transportation—the motorbike—has deeply integrated into the urban fabric and influenced the way Vietnamese people live and interact with urban infrastructure. Motorbikes are an essential and ubiquitous part of life in Vietnam. Since their introduction, they have transformed transportation, commerce, and the daily lives of millions of Vietnamese people. The motorbike’s affordability, flexibility, and adaptability have made it the dominant mode of transport, profoundly influencing the country’s urban landscape and social dynamics.

The thesis proposes a strategic integration of mo torbike accessibility and the inclusion of additional programs to guide the next evolution of Vietnamese traditional markets. This approach aims to attract new demographics while preserving the markets’ cultural values, ensuring they remain vital and relevant in the 21st century.