New Mersing fish Market

Design Statement

MAIN INTRO:
Mersing feels like it is simply a transit town and lacks a unique identity of its own which can give it a unique character to be identified by people. While there is a rich history and culture of the Mersing fishermen it is fading into the background and slowly being lost to urbanisation.  
WHAT?
Initially, Mersing was a typical fishermen town with village settlements scattered along the Mersing river and fishermen relied on boats and perahu for transportation and food supply. However, eventually the original settlements along the river were demolished and replaced with infrastructure. Over the years, Mersing continued to develop and became more compact and scattered with more planned residential areas.    
WHY?
In line with the development of the town, the fishermen villages have become separate from the urban core. Future commercial development plans will further displace the fishermen and their unique identity will soon be lost and replaced with the ubiquity brought about by urbanisation.  
HOW?
Cultural tourism  is a possible solution to reconstruct the identity of Mersing and allow the old lifestyle and traditions to coexist within the urban and urbanising environment while contributing to the local economy. One of the most important components of cultural tourism is the issue of identity where the hosts want to promote a unique identity to lure visitors and on the other hand this will satisfy the thirst of cultural consumption and help distinguish the cultural tourist.This is achieved through the proposal of the New Mersing Fish Market as a landmark and cultural hub which will unite the local community through their shared fishing heritage and become an attraction for tourist and visitors.