Lio Market Hall
How can a contemporary market hall nod to a community’s cultural traditions?
The Lio Market Hall reinterprets the traditional Ifugao salakot hat through a modular and parametric design approach, multiplying its iconic form into a rhythmic architectural field. This creates a memorable identity for the town while providing a flexible, column-free shelter for a range of community and commercial activities.
Location
El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Research Areas Parametric Design
Typology Civic Building
Size
Medium
Status Complete
Project Team Carlos ArnaizAlex Tseng
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Drawing on principles of metabolic architecture, the design fosters a lively, adaptable environment that supports the social and economic “metabolism” of village life. The pyramid-shaped structural volumes are engineered for energy efficiency, minimizing material use and allowing natural ventilation and daylight to flow through the space.
Our approach is strategically driven and informed. Click here to learn about our process.
The ground plane links the adjacent commercial strip to the mangrove park, layering horizontal wooden surfaces to encourage smooth pedestrian circulation while celebrating the natural and cultural landscape. The roof’s muted tones foreground the vibrancy of the surrounding environment, reinforcing the hall’s role as a subtle but vital part of the community’s fabric.
