"Roots
and Routes: Reading Cultural Corridors That Embrace and Belong."
Neha Sunil Pol_Midterm Paper_Master of City Design_University of Illinois at Chicago
Introduction
Chicago is a city that attracts individuals from all over the world to make it their home. It is a diverse place with many cultures and nationalities, with over a fifth of its residents originally coming from different countries. In Chicago, there are special neighborhoods that belong to specific cultural groups. For example, there is a neighborhood called Little Italy for people from Italy, and another called Chinatown for people of Chinese descent. Devon Avenue, colloquially known as "Little India," is one cultural corridor in the West Ridge neighborhood that features a variety of Indian restaurants, shops, and cultural centers. These neighborhoods are like little pieces of different countries right in Chicago. People from the same background live in these neighborhoods because they can bond over their traditions and experience a strong sense of belonging.Additionally, these communities generate income from visitors who come to enjoy the special music, cuisine, and traditions of these cultures.
Acultural corridor, also known as an ethnic corridor, is a designated area within a city that can also serve as a hub for the specific cultural purposes of an ethnic community, among facilitating standard urban networks like transit and economic activity These corridors are distinguished by their dense presence of businesses, institutions, and organizations that mirror and honor the culture, legacy, and customs of a particular cultural group.
These special neighborhoods help us understand how a city welcomes people from all over the world. The adaptation of the urban fabric by any culture communicates how every identity can contribute something special to their city, as if it is a prototype of a neighborhood.
This research paper discusses the connection between a city and its residents, focusing on the elements that contribute to a sense of belongingness To understand what holds this corridor to the surrounding neighborhood, consider factors like housing and the spaces in between. Additionally, the paper examines strategies for preserving a consistent atmosphere within the corridor, making it distinguishable from other building typologies.
This paper also shall explore the different features of physical/user experience and visual experience.The concept of legibility by Kevin Lynch in The Image of the City (Lynch, 1960) plays a crucial role in user recognition of cultural spaces. In the context of a cultural corridor, legibility implies that the corridor should be arranged and structured in a manner that clearly distinguishes it and makes it easy for people to recognize it as a place of cultural importance. This involves making it visually and thematically consistent, having clear signs and maps to help people find their way, and creating public spaces and gathering areas that invite people to explore, interact, and participate in cultural activities.
The use of clear signage, design features, and cultural events all play a part in creating legibility, makingsurethattheseareas areinviting,easy to navigate,and standout withinthelarger city environment. The concept of legibility also includes the presence of cultural elements and history of the community, which can include things like places of worship, street arts in public places, festivals, and other representations of the culture.
Literature Review
Many authors have described the concepts of urban legibility that refer to the context of howcultural corridors andethnicenclaves reveal themselves toaffirm the useof a space.Themore easily people can understand this context, including cultural signs and how the space is organized, can indicate how well a cultural corridor works.
Literature review is done on the key factors of understanding “cultural markers” within the corridor, to know about the term legibility and ethnic enclave. Furthermore, research involves a combined examination of legibility within cultural corridors, exploring how aspects such as design, cultural markers, and spatial organization influence the perception and overall experience of these distinct urban areas.
Discussing the importance of community and diversity in urban design and their profound effects on the legibility of a city Jane Jacobs, in her book The Death and Life of Great American Cities (Jacobs, 1961) argues that the streets and area with having mix of cultural and commercial activities, such as theatres, different music venues, restaurants, art galleries and small business contribute to the social and economic hubs of activity attracting people at different times of the day and night. She argues that cultural corridors create a sense of place within the city, forcing residents and visitors to look alike.These corridors promote more foot traffic, stimulate interaction among diverse groups of people, and contribute to the unique character of a neighborhood.
Discussing the street life and public spaces, Jacob talks about how vibrant streets with mix of uses, pedestrian activity and “Eyes on the Street” (Jacobs, 1961) also contribute towards the safety and community vitality. This is significant for several reasons: cultural diversity,
preservation of traditions, economic vitality, creating strong communities, encouraging cultural exchange, and providing unique identities to different neighborhoods.
To understand the concept of “legibility” in public spaces, Kevin Lynch in his book The Image of the City, focuses on how legibility relates to the visual clarity in cultural corridors for people. Lynch places a strong emphasis on the role of “edges” (Lynch, 1960) within the city, that are also the boundaries or transition spaces in the city. When navigating a cultural corridor, these edges serve as “markers” indicating the entry and exit point, for example: gateways, they also act as the meeting points or gathering spaces for community to interact with each other. While discussing the term “legibility.” He underlines the importance of urban environment being easily readable to its inhabitants in terms of proper signages, font sizes, flags, banners etc.
While discussing about the term and related concepts of “enclave,” Mark Abrahamson in his book “Urban Enclaves: Identity and Place in America” discusses about the concept and formation of enclave boundaries and how they relate to the idea of intentionally designed entries that mark the boundaries of areas. An example is given with signs on major roads welcoming people into an area, such as "Welcome to Rogers Park" in Chicago. Abrahamson emphasizes that in many cases, enclaved boundaries may not be physical markers or intentionally designated, and they can also be defined by mental images people have of socially significant places. This concept is also linked with Kevin Lynch's idea of "imageability," (Lynch, 1960) and how placeness is constructed by users Understanding the formation of ethnic enclaves, which Lynch calls “magnets” (Abrahamson, 2007) a place with an urban context that attracts and unites people from different places containing residents who share something significant such as, culture, language, occupation etc. Enclaves can also be attractive because they offer goods and services that are sometimes exclusive or specialized, not commonly found in other areas. This can include ethnic
restaurants, grocery stores, cultural centers, and other businesses that provide a taste of home and cultural continuity.
"The Physical and Cultural Attributes of Ethnic Enclave: A Basis for Conservation" emphasizes the importance of understanding and preserving the cultural and physical attributes of ethnic enclaves, that also play an important role in maintaining the identity and sense of place for communities in foreign.The article discusses how enclaves are about more than just the structures; they're also about the locals and how they preserve their traditions (A.F. Bakri, 2014). They speak their own language, celebrate their own festivals, and have their own unique practices. Even the food they eat and the businesses they run are different from the surrounding areas. The key argument implies that to legibly read a cultural corridor or ethnic enclave, a user must have some awareness of how the production was facilitated by the local community.
As Brian J. Godfrey writes in his book ‘New Ethnic Landscapes: Placemaking in Urban America, Ethnic communities in cities like America often struggle to maintain homes and their neighborhoods as this area undergoes changes due to global and local forces. The main challenge lies in preserving their cultural identity and sense of belonging in the rapidly changing urban transformation. While discussing the process of “Place making” Godfrey talks about how ethnic communities change the look of urban areas but also links these changes to how people perceive and identify with their neighborhood. While a "sense of place" typically refers to the inherent personality or character of a location, he argues that this identity is constructed by human actions. For example, new ethnic groups may rename neighborhoods, use symbols to represent local businesses, organize community events etc. Community is Highly Visible on the streetscape of the streets that display signs and symbols reflecting their identity and it is impossible to overlook “Ethnic signatures now emblazon storefronts” (Godfrey, 2016). Businesses in such corridor often
should use visible signs and symbols having local language and that are recognizable across borders such as colors and flags “Businesses often adopt visible transnational signifiers in the windows and façades” (Godfrey, 2016)
Godfrey affirms Jane Jacobs idea of “Eyes on the street” by focusing on positive impacts of foot traffic (Godfrey, 2016) Ahigher presence of people on the streets contributes to safety and underscores the importance of prioritizing “Walkability”. This involves enhancing user comfort by providing wider sidewalks, ensuring obstacle-free streets, and creating designated pause points along the street.
Likewise, ethnic transition is evident in urban environments, as signs and services in foreign languages show a spatial shift. Godfrey notes that “Local institutions like churches and government offices may offer services and ceremonies in the native languages of the ethnic group.” (Godfrey, 2016) He also emphasizes that public art, including murals, has become a powerful expression in the ethnic community. Overall public art in the neighborhood not only showcases identity but also contributes to the neighborhood's cultural richness and identity. The place looking more "Oriental" doesn't only happen because more people of similar background move there.
Other things, like how people from different backgrounds interact and how businesses operate also play a big role in making neighborhoods like Chinatown look the way they do. Therefore, it is not just about who lives there but also about how different factors shape how it looks.
Discussion
There are various factors that connect the corridor with its inhabitants and its users. For a successful ethnic enclave or a corridor, it is essential to have a balance of places where people live and places where businesses operate within that area. Achieving this spatial balance can be
facilitated through the strategic use of tools like clear signage, placement of street furniture, the presence of gateways, and the use of barriers and so on. Legibility helps identify the cultural corridor. It is a concept that will help understand spatially through the above-mentioned tools that will encourage people to visit the corridor more often. In this research, we focus on two distinct aspects of legibility: visual and user/physical. These dimensions are meticulously defined and analyzed using specific physical parameters to gain a deeper understanding of their impact.
Visual Legibility in cultural corridors:
1. Street furniture and public installations: Street furniture encompasses objects and amenities situated in public urban areas and offers a range of services and utilities to the people. Elements such as benches, sculpture, decorative streetlamps not only enhance the “aesthetic” but also reflect the cultural identity and heritage of the area, making it unique. Public installations, such as sculptures or artwork, also actively engage visitors in the corridor, often prompting them to take photographs and interact with the surroundings. These elements also provide “Community gathering spaces” for people to socialize and interact within the corridor. Benches and seating areas, for instance, encourage residents and visitors to take a break, chat with others, and enjoy the surroundings. This helps build a sense of community and belonging. It also makes the area easier to walk around, which means more people will visit local businesses and boost the local economies making it a “safe environment,” as quoted by Jane Jacobs. Street furniture and public installations also serve as a “wayfinding element,” helping visitors to navigate the corridor. Economic benefits: Unique installations also draw more visitors that stimulates the local economy by increasing tourism, attracting business, and creating job opportunities. Properly placed furniture is also one of the key factors contributing to sense of safety as Well-lit areas and
visible public spaces are less likely to attract criminal activity, making the corridor a safer place for residents and visitors.
2. Signages and Posters: Signages and Posters usually engage with visitors, serving as an important element of streetscape in ethnic enclaves Their role of identifying the activity system of the cultural corridor is an important cultural marker for users of the space, including those who are establishing connections to their home countries. They denote areas making it easier for new immigrants to relate. These posters, when displayed on the facades or at the intersections should be legible enough that grabs the attention of by passers highlighting specific items displayed or by giving information about any upcoming events / festivals / ongoing discounts and so on, “Ethnic signatures now emblazon storefronts” (Godfrey, 2016) Signage focuses on the urban environment, using two frameworks: 'Linguistic landscape' and 'Semiotic landscape.’As quoted by Uta Papen in her article: Signs in cities: The discursive production and commodification of Urban spaces. (Jiang, 2018)
Linguistic landscape:
Multilingual street signs: display the information in multiple languages to cater to the linguistic diversity of the community in English, Spanish and other languages. “Local institutions like churches and government offices may offer services and ceremonies in the native languages of the ethnic group” (Godfrey, 2016) Bilingual storefront: businesses adapt to the language diversity by having their business names and advertisements in both English (or the local language) and the language predominantly spoken by the immigrant community.Thisallowsthemtoeffectively engagewithandserveabroadercustomerbase. To promote inclusivity and ensure that crucial information is accessible to everyone in the
community: Official governments signs, traffic signs or emergency information, being translated into multiple languages to ensure that all residents, regardless of their primary language can easily read.
Semiotic Landscape: refers thoughts visual symbols or posters/Images these artworks go beyond the written language and rely on the power of visuals to convey meaning and provoke thought or emotions. Having Colorful and artistic topography on the storefronts signs serves a practical purpose in displaying the business name but also contributes to the overall atmosphere and identity of the neighborhood. It can reflect the character and style of the community. Historic district signage using vintage or antique fonts and design elements, these signs evoke a sense of the past and contribute to the overall visual character of a historic neighborhood, preserving its heritage and charm.
3. Visual Barriers: Elements that connect the corridor and the neighborhood. Separation of the corridor from the surrounding neighborhood is important to maintain a consistent feel and distinct visually identity of the corridor. When someone strolls through this corridor and gazes toward the opposite end of the street with varying architectural styles, it can disrupt the intended ambiance. To address this, Visual barriers and elements which includes Jali’s, Dense Plantation and so on play a significant role in maintaining the corridor's visual integrity. Erecting decorative walls (Jali Pattern) or fences that incorporate cultural motifs and designs (Mosaic)These structures physically separate the corridor from the surrounding neighborhood while enhancing the visual appeal. Planting tall trees and hedges serves as a natural visual barrier. The choice of plant species can reflect the corridor’s cultural heritage. These Legible barriers and elements are employed to uphold the consistent and unique ambiance of the cultural corridor or ethnic enclave, ensuring that
its distinctive character is both preserved and celebrated while clearly distinguishing it from the surrounding neighborhood.
4. PublicWall art / Graffiti on walls: Public wall art refers to artwork and visual expression created on the building exteriors, walls, and Large blank public surfaces. Public wall art can revitalize neglected or underutilized urban spaces, breathing new life into the neighborhood that can transform blank walls and abandoned buildings into captivating and engaging artworks (Urban Revitalization). Having graffiti on such walls provide Life into the streets. They act as a living archive of a community's history and traditions. Artists often incorporate elements of historical events, and local heroes into their work, which can educate future generations about their cultural legacy. Street art, regardless of what it shows, has a common goal: to bring value to public spaces through activities like street paintings, community events etc. It also helps hide things we don't want to see by covering them up with art, making the area look more appealing. (Daniel Ronan, 2014)
5. Visual Transparency orActive Street Frontage:
Cultural corridors usually have ground retail shops that promote visual transparency, a sense of connectivity between the people of the enclave and the surrounding area. It allows people to see and be seen, fostering a feeling of being a part of a larger community. Open windows and glazed windows contribute not only as the aesthetic or Natural light and ventilation purpose but also gives an opportunity to visitors for Window shopping. This also provides a visual connection between the business and the street, having transparency and openness attracting potential customers that will help in economic boost and support local business. “Businesses often adopt visible transnational signifiers in the windows and façades” (Godfrey, 2016) It also gives an opportunity to communicate directly with the
shopkeepers, to buy from the streets instead of going all the way inside a shop, this makes it easier and visually appealing. Transparent windows create a harmonious blend that bridges the gap and promotes integration with the larger urban context
6. Gateway Structures: Meeting Points
Gateway Structures are also called symbolic or official entry points to the cultural corridor that provide visual identity. Features like gates, Archways, Flag displays, cultural motifs that signify the transition from one area to another, emphasizing the corridor’s unique identity. These features may also include signages or information boards that help visitors to navigate the corridor from a far distance Gateways can also be referred to as “Meeting Point”, a place where people from various backgrounds come together to interact and form connections. For instance, these could be focal points or starting points for marathon runners or the areas where community parades assemble. Example: New York City’s Chinatown can be seen as a "gateway" where people from different backgrounds "meet" to experience and share cultural elements. Chinatown Gate in Chicago has a traditional Chinese-style gate at the entrance which features vibrant colors and intricate designs that also serves as a symbol of the neighborhood’s cultural identity, Paseo Boricua in Humboldt Park is marked by colorful archways and Puerto Rican flags, these archways signify the entrance to this cultural corridor and celebrate the neighborhood Puerto Rican heritage. These gateways act as a cultural and historical marker to residents and visitors that they are entering an area with a different cultural identity and heritage.
7. Religious and Spiritual expression
Presence of shrines, temples in the corridor: Serve as a place of worship and spiritual connection. Itdoesn’t haveto be biggertemples/shrinesthat promotereligious andspiritual expressions always, Presence of even small idols along the corridor can also represent the spiritual fabric of that culture. These religious sites also act as spatial anchors, landmarks, and focal points within the enclave, drawing people in and creating a sense of centrality within the corridor.
Shrines and temples can also act as gathering places forthe community.Theyhost religious ceremonies, cultural events, and festivals that bring people together, that showcase a sense of community and unity. Examples in Chicago include the presence of various religious structures in ethnic enclaves, such as Chinese temples in Chinatown, Hindu temples along Devon Avenue and churches with ties to different ethnic communities in neighborhoods like Pilsen. Lastly, these temples and shrines are more than just religious places. They are like the heart and soul of the neighborhood and the way they look and where they are located is important for making the neighborhood feel special and welcoming.
8. Lighting
Lighting in ethnic enclaves reflects cultural traditions, community identity, and local businessesservingas avisiblemarkeroftheenclave'spresencewithinthelarger city.Using unique and culturally relevant lighting, such as lanterns or traditional lamps, strings of lights, or other fixtures that are hung in public spaces or along streets can create an inviting and atmospheric presence during the evenings. Lighting can be used creatively to express the culture and identity of the community. For example, it can illuminate traditional
artwork, sculptures, or architectural features in a way that reflects the cultural heritage of the area. It plays a crucial role in commercial areas within these enclaves. Well-designed lighting can attract customers and enhance the overall economic growth of the area depending on if they want to welcome people inside or keep them at the edges. Most of the People are fascinated by light for a very long time because it makes them feel safe and healthy. Well-lit places are important in making it look like it's full of people, like stores and buildings. But when you look closer, you can easily differentiate between the activities in the building and who's inside, rather than just if it's safe or not, especially in busy parts of town.
9. Pedestrian-Friendly Design: In an urban setting to prioritize pedestrian activity and walkability can be achieved by implementing various elements, such as wide sidewalks with ample amount of space for walking, pedestrian zones, and seating areas that are free of obstacles, providing a safe and accessible path for pedestrians. This ultimately encourages people to explore a cultural corridor on foot, making it easily navigable within walking distance. To enhance the walking experience and prevent tiredness for individuals covering a long stretch of corridor, incorporating “pause points” is important (Godfrey, 2016) These pause points may include seating areas, street installations or murals that engage pedestrians and sustain their energy levels. Ensuring that the corridor also has clearly marked crosswalks, pedestrian signals and traffic calming measures that ensure users to safely cross the streets. Accessibility for people, with a focus on making it accessible to people with disabilities. This can be achieved through the implementation of ramps, curb cuts, and other accessibility features, thus promoting an environment where everyone can comfortably and safely enjoy the cultural corridor.
Conclusion:
Lastly,culturalcorridorsarenotjustphysicalpathwaystheyserveaslivingarchives of a community’s history, identity, and creativity I think these matrices are how legibility function occurs following the concept of cultural markers like street furniture and public installations, legibility of signages and posters, which includes linguistic landscape and semioticlandscape,visualbarriers,publicwall art/ graffitionwalls,activestreet frontages, lighting, pedestrian friendly design, and gateway structures.These nine cultural markers or the toolkits are the way that legibility of cultural corridor can happen and how people make observation by visualizing and experiencing this space. Cultural corridors and ethnic enclaves are integral elements of urban landscape that serve as bridges between neighboring places and communities. As a part of growth in population and people migrating, it becomes imperative to safeguard these corridors, as they also hold the key to future generations understanding their own heritage. These corridors not only welcome individualsbutalsocreateopportunitiesforlocalbusinessesofferingthemaprimarysource of livelihood.
Concepts of cultural markers: play an important role in holding the community together, Factors like visual legibility of having readable signages, flags, banners that also provideinformation aboutanyupcomingactivitiesorevent. Havingfeatures likegateways, archways, flag displays at the entry and exit point that allow community gathering spaces that also mark as meeting points. The presence of temples and shrines in the corridor act as spatial anchor points, landmarks drawing people in and creating a sense of centrality within the corridor. Public installations such as sculptures or artwork also actively engage
visitors in the corridor, often prompting them to take photographs and interact with the surroundings.
In a more abstract sense, sensory elements like the scents and aromas of local cuisine from nearby restaurants, as well as the sounds of people conversing in their native language all contribute to a profound sense of the belongingness of the community. Visual barriers and elements are employed to uphold the consistent and unique ambiance of the cultural corridor or ethnic enclave, ensuring that its distinctive character is both preserved and celebrated while clearly distinguishing it from the surrounding neighborhood. Having active street frontage allows people to see and be seen, fostering a feeling of being a part of a larger community. It also gives an opportunity to communicate directly with the shopkeepers, to buy from the streets instead of going all the way inside a shop, this makes it easier and visually appealing.
The adaptation of the urban fabric by various cultures communicates how every identity can contribute something special or unique to their city, as if it is a prototype of a neighborhood.Above mentioned toolkits are the way that maintains a connection between the community and the place.
Works Cited
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