A Second Home: Reimagining Chinatown

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN Sara Rosabel Tin-U ARC 378R + ARC 578S Bachelor Design Study Plan II Honors Program The University of Texas at Austin May 02, 2023

Charlton Lewis Senior Lecturer + Assistant Dean for Student Affairs UT School of Architecture Co-Advisor

Dr. Todd Levon Brown Race and Gender in the Built Environment Fellow + Lecturer UT School of Architecture Co-Advisor

ABSTRACT Author:

Sara Rosabel Tin-U

Title:

A Second Home: Reimagining Chinatown

Co-Advisors:

Charlton Lewis + Dr. Todd Levon Brown, PhD

Tertiary Advisors: Stephanie Choi + Arnold Jin + Yung-Ju Kim

Chinatowns have long held various meanings for the

This investigation includes an in-depth historical,

Chinese diaspora, from connecting with heritage to

cultural, and psychosocial research in which walking

finding a safe space. Initially, Chinatowns formed in

interviews were conducted in the Crescent and the

response to anti-Asian policies and discrimination

Chinatown Center. As a result of this, the Chinatown

that left many with little resources and support. With

Center was selected as the site for extension and

increasing anti-Asian sentiment attributed to SARS-

renovation in order to give Austin the Chinatown

COV-2 (Covid-19) and a fast growing Asian population,

it deser ves and needs. With critical race theor y

Austin’s lack of an enclave has become more

and empirical psychosocial data as the framework

apparent. Thus, a Second Home aims to investigate

for design strategies, this urban and architectural

the meaning of Chinatowns for the Chinese diaspora

design intervention delves into cultural landscapes

as well as expand the t y polog y and idea of a

with a focus on how to preserve and reinforce the

Chinatown by exploring the spectrum of Chinese

cultural identity of the Chinese diaspora in order to

architecture and hybridizing traditional and modern

foster positive placemaking.

aspects in the context of Austin, Texas.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To my ad v isor s , Char lton Lewis , Todd Brow n ,

To Peter Lee, thank you for your help in translating

Stephanie Choi, Arnold Jin, and Yung-ju Kim, thank

everything into Chinese for me as well as translating

you for graciously stepping into these advisorship

Chinese sources into English to make each and every

roles with enthusiasm, for your commitment to

resource accessible to me. I am incredibly grateful

the success of this project, and for believing in

for all your guidance and constant encouragement

my ambition. I appreciate all the time you’ve put

throughout the process.

forward and the incredible mentorship and support throughout the process. Your insights and expertise

To my studio peers, who have heard more about this

have been invaluable and essential to the cultural

than anyone else, thank you for taking the time to

integrity of this project. I am so grateful to have

bounce ideas with me at our own personal desk crits.

had the opportunity to learn from each of you. I

From its ideation to its conclusion, I truly appreciate

cannot express how much this has all meant to me,

all your time during our long phone calls, coffee

and none of it would have been possible without all

chats, and drawing markups. All your comments

of your contributions. You’ve all inspired me in my

were extremely helpful and formative throughout the

future endeavors, and I hope to cross paths again.

design process, and I am glad we formed our own little studio culture during this independent study.

To the walking interview participants, thank you for embracing the opportunity to go on an almost three

To my other friends, both near and far, thank you for

hour long walkthrough. Your simple yes made a

listening to me prattle on and on about this thesis

significant impact on my arduous research process,

day after day and for being my biggest cheerleaders.

and I will forever be grateful. Your insights were

Your support and kind words never failed to make me

integral to the design process, and I am overjoyed

smile, and your advice and assistance means more

to have made new connections with you all. Most

to me than you will ever know.

importantly, thank you for entrusting me with your stories and your memories.

To my Asian American community, thank you for inspiring me to take on this challenge. Your support and contributions mean so much and have shaped me as an individual. I am honored to have had the opportunity to pursue a project that pays homage to my community, and I hope it resonates with you all.

This project is for you and for everyone who may come before and after us.

To my family, thank you for your unconditional love and support. Each one of my achievements is thanks to you, and I hope to continue making you proud.

CONTENTS 08

Designer Statement

10

Introduction

12

Methodology

14

Part I: Precedent Actor-Network + Timeline

20

Part II: Meaning + Place Site Analysis + Walking Interviews

88

Part III: Intervention Urban + Architectural Design

124

Conclusion

126

Citations

132

Biography

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

DESIGNER STATEMENT Aside from my actual house, I have spent the most

In addition to Houston’s Chinatown, I spent time in

time in Chinatown. Growing up, I probably went to

San Francisco’s Chinatown as a cultural ambassador

Chinatown at least four or five times throughout the

for Houston in the Miss Chinatown USA Pageant, a

week, every week, for over ten years.

national competition hosted by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce that takes place during the Lunar New

M y n a m e i s S a r a Ro s a b e l T i n - U , a n d I w a s

Year. Though I’d only spent two weeks there, I still

bor n in Hous ton, Texas . I am the daughter of

felt at home almost immediately. Here, I participated

Burmese-Chinese immigrants, and as such, have

in the largest US Chinese New Year Parade, visited

been sur rounded with a vibrant, multicultural

family associations, and made connections with

environment. Much of my time in Chinatown is

many members of the Chinese community.

attributed to Chinese school, kung fu classes, art lessons, grocery shopping, and of course, many,

Because I was there as a representative of Houston

many boba runs.

for the pageant, I was almost always wearing a qipao, a traditional Chinese dress. Dressed from

Though Houston’s Chinatown lacked floating lanterns

head to toe in traditional wear in conjunction with

and upturned eaves with bright splashes of red

the bright red lanterns and gilded facades framed

and green, there was something comforting about

my entire experience here as a sort of spectacle. It

the monotonous, even-toned bricks and rectilinear

was anything but an everyday experience, but the

forms with cars zooming in and out of the parking

booming firecrackers during the parade, the flurry

lot. Maybe it was the food, the firecrackers, or maybe

of red packets, and the sounds of various dialects

even the struggle of not being able to speak or read

somehow grounded me in a space of familiarity. this

Chinese fluently. Despite my insecurities in my lack

pageant gaps the bridge between generations, all of

of fluency and literacy, I find myself drawn to finding

which are embodied in Chinatowns.

other avenues of connection to my heritage, whether it be through art, kung fu, and now… architecture.

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A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

Upon moving to Austin, I found myself seeking that

had great intentions with its architectural gestures

sense of home and comfort, with no one place quite

toward the typical Chinatown typology as well as

filling the void. Ever y grocer y store, restaurant,

being the host to over 20 Asian-owned businesses.

or dessert place with familiar smells, foods, and

However, the center was ultimately a strip mall, with

sounds all seemed sprawled across Austin. I’d drive

limited options and low activity.

to one place for shaved ice, another for dried fish, and another for cute journals. Day by day, Houston’s

Throughout my undergraduate career, I’ve always

Chinatown became more and more romanticized in

had an interest in cultural and community-oriented

my head. Every time I returned home, I’d immediately

work, but never quite had the opportunity to explore

drive to Chinatown and indulge. I wish we had this

it. As an Architecture and Plan II student, I exist in an

boba shop in Austin. We don’t have noodles like this

interdisciplinary space. My commitment to creativity

in Austin. Can we go grab some stuff from the store

and sustained involvement in the Asian American

before I head back? I repeated these sentiments

community is entrenched in my design ethos and

over and over, and just wished everyday there was

when faced with selecting a thesis topic, an Austin

a Chinatown in Austin. With a quick Google search, I

Chinatown only seemed befitting.

learned that there was in fact, an Austin Chinatown (the Chinatown Center). The Chinatown Center clearly

This project is titled A Second Home: Reimagining

Chinatown , which ser ves as an embodiment of familiarity and comfort many Chinese-Americans, including myself, seek in the sea of the unknown. It encapsulates my previous community contributions and embraces my interdisciplinar y background, pushing me to establish a safe space for all: this is my homage to the Chinese community.

Photography by Ethan Tran

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

INTRODUCTION Between 1850 and 1900, more than 100,000 Chinese

Since March 2020, there has been an immense

men immigrated to the US in pursuit of wealth. Many

increase in anti-A sian racism and xenophobia

left without their wives and children, but as they

attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic. In particular,

settled down, they wished to either start families

anti-Chinese sentiments were fueled by harmful

or bring their existing families over. However, the

rhetoric in the media, leading to racially motivated

Page Act of 1875 (prohibited immigration of laborers

attacks and discrimination. The pandemic has greatly

and prostitutes from Asia) prevented this from

amplified anti-Chinese sentiments that were already

occurring, leaving these men with little resources

historically present. These systemic forces of racism

and no support. As a result, Chinatowns began to

and xenophobia ingrained in society prevent the

form: they included businesses, restaurants, social

mobilization of minority communities, especially

service organizations, churches, temples, and other

within Austin. Due to the nature of its urban fabric,

community spaces, all of which provided resources

Austin lacks communities for minorities. The initial

to Chinese residents without their families. They

master plan of Austin did not include minorities

functioned as “separate, nearly independent, cities

because there was never an intention for minorities

within the city.” (“Immigration and Relocation in U.S.

to be a part of the urban fabric.

History: Exclusion.”)

However, the demographics of Austin are drastically During this time, anti-Chinese sentiments increased,

different from what the city had originally planned

leading to anti-Chinese violence, the formation of

for. According to the 2019 American Community

racist organizations, and the 1882 Chinese Exclusion

Sur vey produced by the US Census Bureau, the

Act, the first legislation that banned immigration

fastest growing demographic in Austin are Asians,

to the US based solely on race. More than ever,

and “Asian Americans comprise 8% of the City of

Chinatowns were an essential resource to the

Austin’s population.” (“Asian Pacific American Data.”)

Chinese community during this time.

There is a need within the Austin city fabric for minority communities, which is already evident by

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A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

recent openings at the Crescent (e.g. 99 Ranch, 85C

Chinatow n s in the p a s t have emer ged ou t of

Bakery Cafe, Soupleaf Hot Pot).

necessity, and as a result, benefited the Chinese community. Establishing a Chinatown in Austin would

Additionally, A sian A meric ans are the fastest

bridge both past and present needs. Chinatowns act

growing demographic group in the US, and the

as a safe haven, a second home, and a reconnection

population of Asians in the US “is projected to rise to

to roots. They create a space in which people feel

35.8 million” by 2060 ( Budiman and Ruiz, 2021). This

affirmed in their identities.

incredible rise in population coupled with the rise of anti-Chinese sentiments has further amplified the

The sense of belonging, the historical underpinnings,

significance of Chinatowns. Chinatowns are urban

the reminder of home, and the cultural connection

spaces in which the old and the new coexist. They

Chinatowns provide are all greatly needed in Austin,

are representative of the Chinese community, deeply

a city that is beginning to diversify to welcome all

enmeshed with both the immigrant experience and

communities.

the Asian-American experience.

The typology and expression of Chinatowns have shifted overtime and Chinese communities have reclaimed these spaces as places of cultur al celebration. As the urban fabric has made space for more minority communities, such as in Houston and San Francisco, Chinatowns have managed to thrive.

Chinatowns have now become spaces that cater not only to the Chinese community, but also to the PanAsian community.

11

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

METHODOLOGY The overarching question that drove this thesis was: how can the architec tural typology of an Austin Chinatown be reimagined and what are the implications in relation to positive placemaking and cultural identity within the Chinese diaspora?

To answer this question, the investigation was broken down into three parts: precedent, meaning + place, and intervention. For the purpose of this project, the scope will focus on addressing the Chinese community, rather than the Pan-Asian community as a whole.

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A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

How can the architectural typology of an Austin Chinatown be reimagined and what are the implications in relation to positive placemaking and cultural identity within the Chinese diaspora?

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

PART I: PRECEDENT HISTORICAL + SOCIAL CONTEXT

•

Actor-Network Diagram

The actor-network diagram maps the intertwined

•

Timeline

net wor k s of relationships, patter ns, changes, and hierarchies between a multitude of actors in accordance to Bruno Latour’s actor-network theory.

A s a means of developing a comprehensive understanding for the historical, cultural, and social background of Chinatowns, a timeline and actornetwork diagram were created with a focus on the making of the Chinese-American experience in relation to how their spaces are perceived, experienced, and imagined. The following questions were considered throughout the process:

•

What elements define a Chinatown?

•

Why do Chinatowns exist?

•

What communities do Chinatowns serve?

•

How are Chinatowns depicted in media?

•

What is the rhetoric surrounding Chinatowns?

•

What are the perspectives of the different actors within these networks?

•

What is the relationship between Chinatowns and its surrounding social context?

•

How has the narrative of Chinatowns changed over time?

14

Actors can be anything and everything from people, organizations, and entities to objects, events, and ideas. In short, “an actor is anything doing something” (Venturini, p. 266).

The actor-network theory states that every social situation or phenomena emer ge s f rom the s e connections between actors. In order to delineate the incredibly complex Chinese-American experience and understand how Chinatowns came to be, it was only appropriate to use this theory as a means to map relationships. Additionally, the actor-network diagram is paired with a timeline to track the shifting networks within a historical context.

T h e a c t o r- n e t w o r k d i a g r a m a n d t i m e l i n e encapsulates three overarching ideas, the first of which is that a system of inequality and prejudice has persisted overtime and is why Chinese-Americans have had to rely on concentrated ethnic networks.

W i t h d i s c r i m i n a to r y p o l i c i e s t h a t p r e v e n te d

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

citizenship, ownership, and immigration, combined with the media’s portrayal of Asian-Americans as perpetual foreigners, the physical concentration of services, businesses, and communities were vital.

Secondly, Chinatowns are the epitome of ChineseAmericans creating their own opportunities. Despite anti-A sian legislation and the scapegoating of Asian-Americans in the media, Chinese-Americans were enabled by Chinatowns to participate in the mainstream economic sector.

Finally, Chinatowns have acted as an essential foundation for building common ground within the diverse Chinese diaspora. Many of the differences and tensions between Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and Macau lie in the political and education system.

Despite the political tensions that exist abroad, Chinatowns provide more opportunities for common ground to be established between those of the Chinese diaspora with common foods and cultural festivities that can bring communities together.

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

MEDIA

LEGISLATION 16

ACTOR-NETWORK DIAGRAM

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

POLITICS

PLACEMAKING ACTOR-NETWORK DIAGRAM

17

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

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TIMELINE

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

TIMELINE

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

PART II: MEANING + PLACE COLLECTION OF EMPIRICAL PSYCHOSOCIAL DATA

•

Site Analysis

meaning-making, and gain a better understanding

•

Walking Interviews

of the intersec tion between race and the built env ir on ment , a s er ie s of w al k in g inter v iew s were c on du c te d in ac c or dance w ith D r. To d d

With a broader analysis of the historical, cultural, and social background of Chinatowns done in Part I, Part II narrows the scope down to Austin. The priority of Part II was to gain an understanding on how existing Chinese-centric and Asian-centric spaces in Austin are perceived, experienced, and imagined, particularly in the context of meaningmaking. The following questions were considered throughout the process:

•

What about these existing infrastructures are successful/unsuccessful?

•

How do different backgrounds influence the perception of these spaces?

•

What environmental cues inform the participants’ sociospatial imaginar ies within a cultur al context?

To e n g a g e w i t h t h e h e t e r o g e n e i t y o f t h e Chinese diaspora, embrace the subjec tivit y of 20

Brown’s Socioracial Evaluation methodology, in which participants provide commentar y on their surroundings while collecting photos.

Within the built environment, what strikes most users is simply the appearance of the building, as this is the environmental cue that allows for one to create a sociospatial imaginary. In other words, the visual environmental cue of a building is what pedestrians initially use to attach meaning to spaces. Environmental cues consist of anything one can see, smell, taste, smell and touch in relation to spaces, places, or objects. This type of socioracial per for mance evaluation can reveal the social, psychological, and cultural impact a building’s environmental cues can have on a user or passerby, which is essential to understanding meaning-making within a cultural space, thus being the perfect tool for investigating the meaning of Chinatowns for the Chinese diaspora.

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

Prior to the walking interviews, a comprehensive site

At the beginning of each walk, participants were

analysis was carried out in each location. This site

given the following prompt:

analysis required onsite research, which involved taking photographs of each business from the

During the course of this walk, I would like you to

exterior to identify architectural features, in addition

document with your own phone — via photographs

to recording each business type.

— any specific spaces, areas, buildings, or objects that stand out to you. I would also like you to

Regarding the walking interviews, each interview

identify these places verbally and explain what it

was conducted over the course of around two to

is about them that are significant to you as well as

three hours, with all of them taking place between

negative/positive aspects within a cultural context.

September 2022 and November 2022. For this study,

Additionally, as we walk through different areas, can

there were a total of six participants. All participants

you identify specific buildings, spaces, items, objects,

identified as members of the Chinese diaspora

smells or sounds that you feel are representative of

— their educ ation, occupation, socioeconomic

that area?

background, and other characteristics are further detailed in diagrams.

In addition to the initial prompt, participants were also prompted with additional questions in relation to

Participants first walked through the Crescent (6929

their first thoughts throughout the walk. Throughout

Airport Blvd), an Asian-centric shopping and dining

the walking interviews, photographs were captured

center. Following the Crescent, participants walked

with the participants’ personal mobile devices, all

through the Chinatown Center (10901 N Lamar Blvd),

audio was recorded using a mobile device, and

a Chinese-centric commercial complex. Directions

handwritten field notes were taken to note stops.

were provided during the walk in order to maintain a consistent route.

21

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

To fur ther gain insight on meaning-making and

so, what do you typically visit for?

memor y in rel ation to Chinatowns as well as

14. How long have you lived in Austin?

gather background information, participants were

15. How many communities have you lived in within

also asked a series of questions after the walking

Austin?

interviews. All audio was recorded using a mobile

16. Where else have you lived outside of Austin?

device. The following questions were asked:

17. What type of place do you currently live in? (e.g. single-family home, apartment, etc.)

1.

What is your age?

2.

What gender do you identify with?

3.

What are your pronouns?

19. List all the Chinatowns you have visited.

4.

What economic class do you identify as?

20. Which Chinatowns that you’ve experienced did

5. What is your cultural background?

6.

What is your race?

7.

What is your ethnicity?

8. What languages do you know? If Chinese, please

9.

single-family home, apartment, etc.)

you like the most and why?

21. What are some of your fondest memories in Chinatown?

22. What aspects of Chinatown make you feel most

specify dialect.

at home or welcoming or give you a sense of

What is your level of fluency and literacy in these

community?

languages?

10. Which system of Chinese characters do you know and which do you prefer (traditional or simplified)?

11. Where did you grow up (name of city or town)?

12. What type of neighborhood/community did you grow up in? If in the US, was it in a Chinatown?

13. Did you have a Chinatown in your hometown? If 22

18. What type of place did you grow up in? (e.g.

23. In your exper ience with Chinatowns, what physical aspects did you not like and why?

24. Is there anything you would want to improve about Chinatown or feel is lacking?

25. What negative stereotypes do you feel exist about/in Chinatowns?

26. Is there anything you can find in Chinatown that

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

you cannot find elsewhere?

27. In your opinion, should Chinatowns be inclusive to only Chinese communities or should they also provide spaces for the Pan-Asian community?

28. As a member of the Chinese diaspora, what would you like to see in a Chinatown?

29. What do you think would celebrate this identity in a positive way?

30. Today we walked through mostly commercial spaces. What would you like to see in Chinatown within a residential context?

Note: All quotes integrated throughout the thesis are derived from walking interviews unless otherwise stated.

(Tin-U, Sara. “Walking Interviews.”

2023.)

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

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ONSITE RESEARCH + DOCUMENTATION - THE CRESCENT

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

ONSITE RESEARCH + DOCUMENTATION - CHINATOWN CENTER

25

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

26

THE CRESCENT - SITE ANALYSIS

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

THE CRESCENT - SITE ANALYSIS

27

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

28

CHINATOWN CENTER - SITE ANALYSIS

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

CHINATOWN CENTER - SITE ANALYSIS

29

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

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WALKING INTERVIEW PARTICIPANTS - BACKGROUND

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

WALKING INTERVIEW PARTICIPANTS - BACKGROUND

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

2 3 4 5

6

7 1

8 9

10 11 12

Crescent Sign 1 Domino’s 2 Mia Aesthetics 3 99 Liquor 4 Verizon 5 99 Ranch Market 6 Kinokuya 7 Kura Sushi 8 Soupleaf Hot Pot 9 Tori 10 Bun Belly 11 Oh K-Dog 12 Tanuki Games 13 Snowball Riceball 14 Hallyu Cosmetics 15 Sazan 16 Steamies 17 Windy Hair 18 BBQ Chicken 19 Daiso 20 Rivery Dental 21 Resolution Eyecare 22 Avis Car Rental 23 Pink Box 24 H&R Block 25 Taqueria Los Jaliscienses 26 K BBQ 27 85° Bakery Cafe 28

32

THE CRESCENT - SITE PLAN + WALKING INTERVIEW ROUTE

13 14 15 16 28 18

27

19 20 21 22

26

23 24 25

17

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

63

62 61 60

Entry Gate 29 Welcome Sign 30 Quán Cô 9 31 Gen Bobabee & Coffee House 32 Lily’s Sandwich 33 Ngoc Tran Jewelry 34 Kat Cargo 35 Phở Saigon 36 Kim Son Jewelry 37 Unknown (Antique Shop) 38 Bambu Desserts & Drinks 39 Baguette House & Cafe 40 Fresh Tofu 41 Austin Cargo 42 Art Hair Salon 43 Kim Hoān Jewelry 44 Austin Rainbow Bouquet 45 JP Autotitle 46 Austin Nail Supply 47 Foot Relax 48 MT Supermarket 49 MT Supermarket Storage 50 Texas Bakery 51 Family Insurance 52 Mimi Spa Nails Supply 53 Hoa Phat 54 Maxline Salon 55 First Chinese BBQ 56 Happy Foot Spa 57 Silkcut Hair Salon 58 Korean Grill 59 Taste of Home 60 Farmers Insurance 61 Hang Fung 62 Unoccupied 63

59

58

57

56 63 55

29

54

53

52 51

30

31

63

32 33

49 34

35 36 37

63

48 47 46 45 44 43

38

63

39

63

50

63 42 41 40

CHINATOWN CENTER - SITE PLAN + WALKING INTERVIEW ROUTE

33

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

34

THE CRESCENT - WALKING INTERVIEWS MOST FREQUENTED STOPS

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

CHINATOWN CENTER - WALKING INTERVIEWS MOST FREQUENTED STOPS

35

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

36

THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT A WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

THE CRESCENT

CHINATOWN CENTER

THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT A WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

37

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

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THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT A WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT A WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

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CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT A WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT A WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

MEMORY + SPACE PARTICIPANT A

• FAVORITE EXPERIENCE • • •

Monterey Park Entire space is fully in Chinese Space feels natural “as if they carved a piece of my home community [...] and placed it in the US.”

• FONDEST MEMORIES • • • •

Visiting restaurants with family Grocery shopping Purchasing bread at bakery Visiting temple

• WELCOMING ASPECTS • • •

42

The people Chinese signages Food

MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT A

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT A

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

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THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT B WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

THE CRESCENT

CHINATOWN CENTER

THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT B WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

45

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

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THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT B WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT B WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

47

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

48

CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT B WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT B WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

MEMORY + SPACE PARTICIPANT B

• FAVORITE EXPERIENCE • • • • •

Philadelphia Pedestrian friendly Wide variety of food Colorful Franklin Square nearby

• FONDEST MEMORIES • •

Trying restaurants in Philadelphia with friends (small dishes) Dou fu nao (tofu soup) in Houston with family

• WELCOMING ASPECTS • • •

50

Hearing the language The smells Seeing Chinese characters + art

MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT B

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT B

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

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THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT C WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

A SECOND HOME: REIMAGINING CHINATOWN

THE CRESCENT

CHINATOWN CENTER

THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT C WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

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THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT C WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT C WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT C WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT C WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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MEMORY + SPACE PARTICIPANT C

• FAVORITE EXPERIENCE • • • • •

Vancouver Best Chinese food in the world Huge Asian population Feels like a safe space Beautiful sights

• FONDEST MEMORIES • • •

Chinese martial arts in Dallas Grocery shopping with parents Appreciated Chinatowns more at a later age

• WELCOMING ASPECTS • •

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Restaurants Grocery shopping

MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT C

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MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT C

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THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT D WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

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THE CRESCENT

CHINATOWN CENTER

THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT D WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

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THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT D WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT D WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT D WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT D WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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MEMORY + SPACE PARTICIPANT D

• FAVORITE EXPERIENCE • • •

New York City Most familiar space - always made it a point to visit Flushing - really good food

• FONDEST MEMORIES • • • •

Hong Kong egg waffles Street vendors Dim sum with family Grocery shopping

• WELCOMING ASPECTS • • •

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Seeing people socialize/crowds Food Grocery shopping

MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT D

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MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT D

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THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT E WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

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THE CRESCENT

CHINATOWN CENTER

THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT E WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

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THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT E WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT E WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT E WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT E WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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MEMORY + SPACE PARTICIPANT E

• FAVORITE EXPERIENCE • • • •

Montreal Familiar - “looks the most American without being in America” San Francisco Queens

• FONDEST MEMORIES •

Hearing the language (all different dialects even if unfamiliar)

• WELCOMING ASPECTS • •

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Hearing the language - “homey” feel Food - noodle dishes and dumplings

MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT E

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MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT E

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THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT F WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

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THE CRESCENT

CHINATOWN CENTER

THE CRESCENT + CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT F WALKING INTERVIEW STOPS

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THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT F WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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THE CRESCENT - PARTICIPANT F WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT F WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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CHINATOWN CENTER - PARTICIPANT F WALKING INTERVIEW ANALYSIS

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MEMORY + SPACE PARTICIPANT F

• FAVORITE EXPERIENCE • • •

New York Easy to explore by foot Close to home - near grandfather

• FONDEST MEMORIES • • •

Food - roast duck, pork Bakeries, meat shops, fresh produce Dim sum with family

• WELCOMING ASPECTS • •

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Familiar food Social aspect - restaurants + people selling fresh produce

MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT F

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MEMORY + SPACE - PARTICIPANT F

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ENVIRONMENTAL CUES - VISUAL SCOPE What environmental cues informed the participants’ sociospatial imaginaries?

• Multilingual Signage • Size of languages in relation to each other • Presence or lack thereof Chinese • Font style • Materiality + Color + Form • Red clay tiles, limestone, black and white • Similar form + color/ lack of distinguished spaces • • • • •

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Landscaping Parking infrastructure - dominant car culture Lack of pedestrian infrastructure Security signs Cultural icons/symbols (statues, figurines, etc.)

WALKING INTERVIEWS - BREAKDOWN OF VISUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CUES

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“There isn’t quite the infrastructure needed for people to do [...] what they need to do as they’re visiting businesses. It’s much more set up for [...] car culture. I would love to see something that [...] offers more opportunity for people to [...] linger.”

WALKING INTERVIEWS - CHINATOWN CENTER QUOTE

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NEGATIVE STEREOTYPES + PERCEPTION What negative stereotypes do you feel exist about/in Chinatowns?

• PARTICIPANTS’ RESPONSES • • • •

Hostile and mysterious depiction in media Sense of isolation and seclusion Dirty/lack of cleanliness + off-putting smells Dangerous + high crime rates

• NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CRESCENT • • • •

Lack of Chinese signage (design, translations, etc.)

Catered more towards a tourist demographic Inefficient parking Questions of safety/security

• NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS ABOUT CHINATOWN CENTER • Issues of exoticism and orientalism in design (temple/ imperial architecture typology) • Lack of maintenance (dead plants, poor paving, dented gutter, etc.)

• Lack of pedestrian access - geared towards car culture • Distant + unsafe location

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“It’s definitely signaling what cultures they’ll encounter here, but it also feels like it’s not for everybody. [...] you get the sense that they [developers] [wanted] to market it to people like us [so] they decide [...] this is what they’ll like, rather than [...] something more complicated. It feels [...] like an aesthetic slapped on [...] it doesn’t feel nuanced or interesting or pleasing.”

WALKING INTERVIEWS - CHINATOWN CENTER QUOTE

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PART III: INTERVENTION URBAN + ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN INTERVENTION

•

Site: Austin’s Chinatown Center

center with over 20 Asian-owned businesses and

•

Intervention: Extension + Renovation

organizations. As a result of the pandemic and the loss of one of its anchors, New Chinese Seafood Restaurant, the Chinatown Center has suffered

As a response to the findings in Parts I and II, an urban and architectural proposal was developed to address the primar y question: how can the architectural typology of an Austin Chinatown be reimagined and what are the implications in relation to positive placemaking and cultural identity within the Chinese diaspora?

For the design intervention, the Chinatown Center, one of the walking interview locations, was selected for an extension and renovation of the site. By no means does this study aim to invalidate the existing structures, but instead, extend and renovate the existing space with the intention of reinforcing cultural identity, fostering positive placemaking, and revitalizing existing businesses onsite.

Located in Austin at the intersection of North Lamar and West Braker Lane and established in 2006, the Chinatown Center is a 180,000 square foot retail 88

a significant loss of customer traffic. As evident by the walking interviews and site analysis, much of the space is underutilized, with multiple large spaces available for lease and a sparsely filled parking lot. However, the Chinatown Center remains an important resource for the Chinese community in Austin, and has incredible potential to serve as a pedagogical tool, provide housing, enable community members to participate in the mainstream economic sector, and become a center of celebration and fes tivities , thus mak ing it the per fec t site to transform into the Chinatown Austin deserves.

Much of the Chinatown Center ’s architec tur al language embodies the highly stylized Chinese a r c h i te c t u r e s e e n i n m a n y o f i t s p r e c e d i n g Chinatowns with its red tiles, pagoda-style roofs, and ceremonial gates. T his vernacular, akin to imperial Chinese architecture and temples, has long persisted in Chinatowns year after year. However, it is important to acknowledge and evaluate the

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current typology of Chinatowns and transform it into something entirely new in order to move away from

of Austin?

•

H ow c a n tr a di tio n a l elem ent s of C hin e s e

the oriental pastiche first established by the San

architecture be integrated in a contemporary

Francisco Chinatown after the earthquake and fire in

manner with regard to its cultural and historical

1906.

significance?

•

In order to expand and transform the typology of Chinatowns in a contemporary context, an inventory

How can existing typologies be reinvented or hybridized?

•

What identifies modern Chinese architecture?

analysis of existing Chinese typologies, traditional elements, architectural features, regional styles, materiality, and construc tion techniques were examined and cataloged in a “Kit of Parts.” This “Kit of Parts” served as the first step in the design process to meld traditional and modern Chinese architectural aspects in the urban fabric of Austin. The following questions were considered throughout this process:

•

What programs will be included in this new Chinatown?

•

What existing spaces from the Chinatown Center will remain?

•

W h a t i s t h e te m p o r a l r e l a ti o n s hi p o f t h e architectural aesthetic?

•

How c an tr aditional Chine s e ar c hitec ture techniques be applied in a new way in the context 89

BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

T hroughout the design process, the idea at the

sense of nostalgia or comfort within a Chinatown

forefront was the coexistence of old and new: this

space because of the presence of familiar foods,

included the hybridization of traditional and modern

despite their lack of reference. Multiple temporal

Chinese architec tural elements (e.g. siheyuan,

experiences can occur within Chinatown, though they

sanheyuan, tulou, wood, tiles, brick), the integration

are all framed by the same architectural backdrop.

of different cultural programmatic elements (e.g.

90

food trucks, night market, garden, teahouse, tea bar),

It is impor tant to note that this ex tension and

the insertion of intergenerational spaces (e.g. senior

renovation of Austin’s Chinatown Center is targeted

housing, daycare), the mixing of both new and legacy

towards the elderly demographic, immigrants, and

businesses to increase customer traffic, and the

new arrivals in order to aid those who are typically

temporal phenomena of Chinatowns in relation to the

at a disadvantage or have limited English proficiency

immigrant experience.

with a safe space.

To clarif y, the temporal phenomena is that the

In addition to this, there are a multitude of business

Asian immigrant experience freezes their cultural

and employment opportunities generated onsite,

reference to their homeland. Because they leave

with ghost kitchens for emerging restaurants,

their homeland at a cer tain time and come to

open exhibition spaces for local artists, business

America, their memor y of their homeland may

incubators for entrepreneurs, and outdoor stalls for

not be what their homeland actually looks like

vendors. Additionally, business owners are provided

now. However, they may still view Chinatowns

with a certain level of agency to distinguish their

as “a second home” because of the presence of

storefronts through var ying signage styles held

older typologies or familiar smells and sounds. In

by the architectural design. Above all, multilingual

addition to this, those who may have never been

signage in both Chinese and English is present

to their parents’ or grandparents’ homeland and

throughou t the entire projec t to enable eas y

have only grown up in America, may still have this

navigation and wayfinding for all.

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The following drawings will illustrate the urban and architectural design intervention conceptually and visually. All quotes integrated are taken from walking interviews conducted in Part II. The following further outlines the conceptual and architectural ambitions intended:

Conceptual Ambitions: 1 Reimagine Chinatown typology - shift away from oriental pastiche 2 Improve quality of life for elderly demographic 3 Enable those with limited English proficiency 4 Create a safe space for Asian Americans 5 Provide employment and business opportunities 6 Build common ground between groups within the Chinese diaspora 7 Serve as a pedagogical tool 8 Evoke sense of nostalgia while maintaining modernity 9 Create and reinforce connection to heritage 10 Celebrate the diversity and identity of Chinese culture

Architectural Ambitions: 1 Increase walkability and accessibility of site 2 Generate business opportunities onsite 3 Activate the edges by engaging streetscape with activity hubs 4 Position businesses onsite to enable activity at all hours in all areas 5 Provide moments of pause/gathering within the site 6 Engage users with businesses through visibility 7 Utilize a modular language but still maintain individuality of businesses 8 Encourage meandering while maintaining clear navigation 9 Layer suburban and urban textures to create a community space 10 Hybridize modern and traditional aspects of Chinese architecture

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KIT OF PARTS - INVENTORY ANALYSIS

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KIT OF PARTS - INVENTORY ANALYSIS

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CONCEPT DIAGRAM

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CONCEPT DIAGRAM

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CONCEPT DIAGRAM

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CONCEPT DIAGRAM

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SITE AXON

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SITE AXON

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CATALOG

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CATALOG

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PROGRAM LIST

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PROGRAM LIST

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SITE AXON - CARE FACILITIES + ANCHORS + LANDMARKS

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SITE AXON - PROGRAM TYPE

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PLAN

GOLF

TRELLIS

GARDEN

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PLAN VIGNETTES

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CIRCULATION DIAGRAM

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TEMPORAL DIAGRAM

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ZOOMED IN SITE AXON - RETAIL + FOOD & DRINK

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ZOOMED IN SITE AXON - RETAIL + FOOD & DRINK

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SECTION - RETAIL + FOOD & DRINK

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SECTION - CULTURAL CENTER

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SECTION - SENIOR HOUSING

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SECTION - NIGHT MARKET

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

RETAIL + FOOD & DRINK

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SECTION + PLAN VIGNETTES

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE SPACE

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SENIOR HOUSING COURTYARD

NIGHT MARKET

SECTION + PLAN VIGNETTES

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ZOOMED IN SITE AXON - SENIOR HOUSING

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VIGNETTE - SENIOR HOUSING

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PHYSICAL MODEL

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PHYSICAL MODEL

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VIGNETTE - CULTURAL CENTER

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VIGNETTE - CULTURAL CENTER

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CONCLUSION With design being as subjective a matter as it is, how

customer traffic will increase, allowing for a safe

do we measure the success of this extension and

and secure area with activity at all times. By having

renovation?

temporar y vendor spaces, business incubators, ghost kitchens, and exhibition spaces, it is hopeful

Overall, this urban and architectural intervention

that these will reduce costs for emerging small

acts to uplift the underserved, specifically the elderly

businesses and allow them to increase brand

demographic, as well as enable immigrants and new

visibility.

arrivals. By prioritizing the elderly demographic, immigr ant s, and new ar r ival s, other users in

Architecturally, this project impor ts traditional

the space are accommodated for as well, with

Chinese architectural typologies and forms into

multilingual signage, walkability, accessibility, and

the Austin fabric with respect to its historical and

easy wayfinding. It is important to note that this is a

social context. Much of my design takes inspiration

truly intergenerational space, with much to offer to

from architects like Amateur Architecture Studio,

those of all ages — parents, kids, grandparents, and

Urbanus, and Neri&Hu (just to name a few) who

so on.

have all created a dialogue between traditional and modern elements in order to create something

Additionally, this design aims to create and host

entirely new while also maintaining its cultural

all kinds of communities. T hough it is a space

identity. Other architectural movements I drew

with the sentiment of “by us, for us,” it serves as a

from include the preservation of hutongs (lines of

pedagogical tool and welcoming environment for

siheyuans), in which these traditional residential

those outside the Chinese diaspora, with a myriad of

spaces are renovated, transformed into commercial

programs and opportunities to form connections.

spaces, or buttressed by the addition of commercial spaces.

With the addition of new businesses in proximity to legacy (existing) businesses, it is likely that 124

While my project is not necessarily a preservation

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of a sp e c if ic sp a c e, it is a p re s er v ation a n d reinforcement of cultural identit y through the extension and renovation of the Chinatown Center.

With the use of residential typologies (e.g. siheyuan, sanheyuan, tulou), adaptation of cultural programs (e.g. night market with food trucks, garden with teahouse), abstraction of forms (e.g. sweeping r o o f f o r m), a n d i n c o r p o r a ti o n o f t r a d i ti o n a l materials (e.g. wood, clay tiles). I believe this design successfully hybridizes traditional and modern Chinese architec tural elements in the contex t of Austin. These design strategies, derived from precedents and driven by the empirical psychosocial data collected in Part II, come together to reinforce positive placemaking and cultural identity in the Chinatown Center.

T hough this thesis is ultimately speculative in nature, it is my hope that Austin will one day have a Chinatown that both embodies the spirit and embraces the diversity of the Chinese diaspora, serving as a space for all to connect, organize and flourish as a collective community. Welcome to Austin’s new Chinatown!

“I think [Chinatowns] do have a special responsibility not only to those of the Chinese community, but really to the Pan-Asian community and to the community of the city as a whole[...] they do play a special role in negotiating identity, in providing education, and also opening people’s eyes up to different types of cultures and ideas.”

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Brown, Todd Levon, “Environmental Cues and the Sociospatial Imaginary: An Examination of Spatial Perception and Meaning-Making in a Gentrifying Neighborhood” (2021). CUNY Academic Works. https://academicworks. cuny.edu/gc_etds/4385

Chen, X., Hu, Y., Xu, Q., and Xie, Y. “Aging in Chinatowns: the Meaning of Place and Aging Experience for Older Immigrants.” Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, vol. 37, no. 4, Dec. 2022, pp. 375-391. DOI: 10.1007/ s10823-022-09463-1.

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De Wet & Jin. “Pengzhen: The Best Hidden Chinese Tea House in Chengdu.” Museum of Wander, 31 Aug. 2021, https://museumofwander.com/chinese-tea-house-chengdu/.

Frearson, Amy. “Zhang Ke Slots Work and Play Spaces into Beijing’s Hutong Courtyards.” Dezeen, 3 Feb. 2022, https://www.dezeen.com/2016/10/11/zhang-ke-zao-standardarchitecture-micro-hutong-renewal-courtyardsbeijing-design-week/.

Guo, Qinghua. A Visual Dictionary of Chinese Architecture. Images Pub., 2002.

Haupt, Melanie. “Crescent at North Lamar and Airport Now Offers Unique Asian Dining Options.” The Austin Chronicle , https://www.austinchronicle.com/food/2018-09-21/ crescent-at-north-lamar-and-airport-now-offers-unique-asian-dining-options/.

Hawley, Kristen. “Ghost Kitchens Are the Wave of the Future. But Is That a Good Thing?” Eater, Eater, 9 Nov. 2020, https://www.eater.com/21540765/ghost-kitchens-virtual-restaurants-covid-19-industry-impact.

Hernandez, Marco. “The Dougong: A Nailless Chinese Construction Method.” South China Morning Post, https:// multimedia.scmp.com/culture/article/forbidden-city/architecture/chapter_02.html.

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Lam, Sharon. “Dougong: The Enduring Appeal of an Ancient Chinese Building Technique.” CNN, Cable News Network, 1 Sept. 2017, https://www.cnn.com/style/article/dougong-chinese-building-revival/index.html.

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Li, Y., Kao, D., and Dinh, T.Q. “Correlates of Neighborhood Environment With Walking Among Older Asian Americans.” Journal of Aging and Health, vol. 27, no. 1, 2015, pp. 17-34. DOI: 10.1177/0898264314535636.

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Preiser, Wolfgang F. E., and Jack Nasar. “Assessing Building Performance: Its Evolution from Post-Occupancy Evaluation.” ArchNet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 2, no. 1, 2008.

Ramesh, Sanjana. “History of San Francisco and the Chinatown.” RTF | Rethinking The Future, 27 Sept. 2021, https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/city-and-architecture/ a5029-history-of-san-francisco-and-the-chinatown/.

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BACHELOR DESIGN STUDY + PLAN II HONORS THESIS

BIOGRAPHY Hailing from Houston, Texas, Sara Tin-U is a fifth year dual degree Plan II Honors and Architecture student at the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout her undergraduate career, Sara has focused on cultivating relationships both within and beyond the UT community: she has had extensive involvement in the Asian American community through the Miss Chinatown Pageant and Texas Wushu. Her other community involvement includes PlanTutoring, Alpha Rho Chi, Dance Outreach, and UTSOA’s mentorship program. Sara has been nominated for Design Excellence in Fall 2020, published in UTSOA’s Issue XVII, and is a 2023 Plan II Distinguished Graduate. In her free time, she enjoys journaling, dancing with Redefined Dance Company, and spending time with loved ones. Following graduation, Sara hopes to further her creative and professional development, as well as continue to explore her interests in storytelling, the intersection of race and space, and developing inclusive and equitable communities.

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THANK YOU