A Second Home: Reimagining Chinatown

Chinatowns have long held various meanings for the Chinese diaspora, from connecting with heritage to finding a safe space. Initially, Chinatowns formed in response to anti-Asian policies and discrimination that left many with little resources and support. With increasing anti-Asian sentiment attributed to SARS-COV-2 (Covid-19) and a fast growing Asian population, Austin’s lack of an enclave has become more apparent. Thus, a Second Home aims to investigate the meaning of Chinatowns for the Chinese diaspora as well as expand the typology and idea of a Chinatown by exploring the spectrum of Chinese architecture and hybridizing traditional and modern aspects in the context of Austin, Texas.