Situated within 10 minutes of Okinawa International Airport, and near a major new highway, this two-level complex is strategically positioned to attract visitors from local Okinawa, mainland Japan, and surrounding countries. Given Okinawa’s island-state physical attributes, the design is inspired by the place of assembly known in classical Greek as the agora. Conceptually, the project is a combination of two distinct districts. The Informal District is laid out in a series of narrow, nonlinear streets, much like the narrow retail alleys in ancient Greece. Connecting these is a series of plazas and open spaces randomly positioned to evoke a sense of discovery and surprise. In contrast, the Formal District has a rectilinear layout built around the Market Hall. Here, motor and pedestrian traffic are allowed to commingle, creating a vibrant urban environment. On axis to the Market Hall is a formal plaza defined by a series of arcades, serving as a meeting spot for shows, public events, and other commercial activities.