Gateway to Chinatown

New York, New York | 2017 | Competition | 1,000 sf

Located at the crossroads of multiple communities and in the heart of Chinatown the gateway will serve to orient and connect people to the site, Chinatown, and beyond. This project is inspired by the red lanterns seen in Chinese traditions as symbols of worship and celebration. Historically used as a light source to guide one’s path, in this project they are used to digitally display information, project current events, and glow as beacons that orient people and guide one’s visit to Chinatown and further. The lanterns are held up by a structural frame inspired by traditional wood construction in China. Wood joinery in Chinese construction emphasizes the interlocking of small parts that comprise a unified whole. Often these parts are so carefully crafted that no additional fasteners are needed. The structural wood frame consists of small wood members that interlock and overlap to form a larger whole creating experiences catering to both the individual and the community. Smaller modules, providing individualized information, multiply to form larger modules that convey information to the surrounding community.