Chiayi City Government once again showcases its achievement of "driving economic power through design power" with the newly completed Dong Market restrooms. The design seamlessly blends the cultural heritage of century-old decorative tiles with modern, user-friendly elements, becoming a standout feature of the market. Chiayi Mayor Huang Min-Hui stated that design should be reflected in every detail and thanked designer Pan Yue-Lin for his creativity in turning a small space into a comfortable experience.
Designer Pan Yue-Lin of Elephant Design Company, who participated in the "2021 Taiwan Design Exhibition" and curated the Chiayi Chenghuang Temple exhibit, drew inspiration from Xu Jia-Bin's book "Back to the Time of Decorative Tiles" from the Taiwan Tile Museum. The decorative tiles from the Chenghuang Temple stage and Chiayi's old houses became the inspiration for the restrooms' design, bringing Taiwan’s unique tile culture back into public life. The renovated restrooms not only enhance facilities and the environment but also improve the overall hygiene of the market, providing safer and more comfortable public services for citizens and vendors. 
Designer Pan Yue-Lin drew design inspiration from the decorative tiles used in the Chenghuang Temple stage and old houses in Chiayi. (Photo / Courtesy of Chiayi City Government)
Construction Department Director Tian Chang-Pei noted that Dong Market, with its over 300-year history, is a major kitchen for Chiayi residents, attracting numerous tourists to savor its century-old culinary heritage. The restroom renovation project not only fulfills spatial aesthetics but also integrates the concepts of designer Pan Yue-Lin and curator Xu Jia-Bin by replicating the decorative tiles of Chenghuang Temple and old houses on the restroom walls and floors. Despite the small space, the design is meticulous, combining aesthetics and comfort while considering the convenience of families and wheelchair users.
Chiayi City’s Construction Department announced that the renovated Dong Market restrooms are already open for use, with further improvements to be made based on user feedback. The goal is to transform this 300-year-old historical site into a more accessible and friendly space for everyone. This design upgrade not only enhances the market's functionality but also demonstrates the Chiayi City Government's commitment to upgrading public facilities.
This restroom, which merges tradition with modernity, is not just a public convenience but also a showcase of Chiayi’s cultural charm, drawing more visitors to Dong Market to experience the city’s unique atmosphere. Chiayi City Government hopes that through such designs and construction efforts, it can further promote the city’s aesthetics and economic growth, offering a better living experience for residents and tourists alike.
