| Popis: |
This thesis investigates architecture and the urban environment as an expression of cultural identity, specifically in Chinese-immigrant communities. For Chinese-immigrants, their experiences in the U.S are ones of transition, movement, and adaptation. Historically, immigrant enclaves served as popular destinations for immigrants upon their arrival to the U.S. These enclaves were meant only to be transition points for the immigrant's eventual migration into mainstream society, disappearing as group members attain social-economic mobility. However, Chinese-immigrants have not followed this pattern of acculturation. Despite their socio-economic mobility, many Chinese immigrants chose to remain close to these enclaves. Old Chinatown remains a regular destination whether for tourism, to purchase staples of an Asian diet, or for authentic goods. Such evidence suggests that these historic Chinatowns serve more than simply a place of transition; these enclaves sponsor a primary cultural identity for the Chinese community. Old Chinatowns continuously face challenges that threaten their existence. Urban renewal, highway construction, and expansion of downtown developments encroach on these neighborhoods and impede upon their growth. Many other Chinatowns rely on a tourism economy, which distills the identity of the neighborhood as they struggle to appease visitors and entice new customers. Using Seattle's Chinatown-International District (C-ID) as a case study, this thesis aims to address these contemporary challenges; to explore ways to support the social-cultural identity of these Chinatowns. An examination of the history, cultural associations, and the infrastructure of these enclaves reveals the role and physical character of Chinatown in contemporary Chinese-American society. More specifically, this thesis examines how theories of identity, globalization, place-making, and food culture can expand upon the influence of architecture and place-making. The result is an exploration on the design, programming, and space-making of a public marketplace and culinary school for Seattle's C-ID community. Drawing upon spatial ideas from both traditional Chinese buildings and from contemporary western culture, this thesis seeks to test strategies of public space and place-making to address the contemporary Chinese-American community today. |
