Yi Wang

Deconstructing cultural narrative: remaking Vancouver’s Chinatown role in the context of multiculturalism

This thesis addresses the presentation of cultural memories and traditional identity in Chinatown. Through a series of storytelling and the establishment of a cultural exhibit institution, the aim is to contribute to the multiculturalism narrative and promote interaction between people. In Vancouver, Chinatown was created as a result of the discriminatory policies and practices, intending to segregate them from the dominant Anglo community.1 Its beginnings in 1886, with about ninety Chinese residents on Carrall Street and Dupont Street. Over time, these neighbor has thrived, making a substantial contribution to the country’s historical legacy. However, contemporary challenges, including gentrification, economic transformations, urban development, and social injustice, threaten the continuity of its communities today. The research will unfold in two parts. First, it delves into the urban context of Chinatown, focusing on urban challenges and exploring how the Chinese community has navigated the balance between cultural identity and adaptation to North American society, alongside the gradual disappearance of traditional practices due to gentrification. In response to these issues, the proposal seeks out story collection, which lay out a series of stories rooted in Chinese communities to preserve the rich layers of city growth and traditional culture. These will foster a unique connection between human and revitalize the neighborhood’s traditional activities as a means to counteract gentrification. 

Second, the research will delve into deconstruction philosophy. By utilizing the deconstruction approach I will analyze the components of both architecture and culture to re-imagine the space. Following the theoretical framework, A cultural exhibit institution proposal will be presented to accommodate the stories, establishing a series of exhibit spaces to evoke specific emotions and immerse visitors in a sensory experience deeply intertwined with historical events. The project accommodates themed spaces and historical materials to reveal four major concerns: Chinese representation, Chinese immigration, Chinatown building’s history, and the Chinese community’s contribution. The institution aims to contribute to reviving and preserving collective memories.