On May 3rd, we gathered at the American Society of Landscape Architects National Headquarters for a conversation on Chinatowns, past, present, and future. Convened by Jenn Low, longtime partner of the 1882 Foundation, this conversation aimed to explore the multitude of ways that Chinatowns can be shaped and fostered by community organizing, public arts, and reclamation.
Ernie Wong, founding principal of site design group, introduced his work in Chicago’s Chinatown advocating for public art, green spaces, and anti-gentrification. Yin Kong of Think!Chinatown gave an overview of the organization’s capacity and work in Manhattan’s Chinatown, activating Chinese businesses through COVID and fostering intergenerational exchange. Lastly, artist and architect Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong shared some of her public art installations in Chinatowns, both urban and suburban, across the nation, and the explorative potential for public art to encourage community, conversation, and togetherness.
A full video recording of the event is available below.
Special thanks to our friends at ASLA National Headquarters, A/V and security support staff at ASLA National Headquarters for helping this event come together.
