Searching for Identity in Chinatown: An Architectural Response to Calgary’s Growing Chinese Population

Abstract

This thesis proposes an architectural design for a public cultural centre for the diverse Chinese immigrant population in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It addresses the history of Chinatown’s formation and how this ethnic community came to be, as well as analyzing how waves of Chinese immigrants contribute to the evolution of Calgary’s Chinatown. The reinterpretation of traditional Chinese architectural concepts and elements in ancient courtyard houses is essential to searching for identity. This reinterpretation studies the spatial organization and structural system, the generation of solids and voids, and the relationship between nature and the built form. This thesis explores a new design for Calgary’s Chinese Cultural Centre by combining traditional Chinese architectural concepts with successful existing and proposed programs to express culture and immigrant integration. It proposes functionality of different courtyards and includes cultural programs such as a performance theatre, heritage and cultural museum, Chinese school, restaurant, exhibition gallery, gymnasium, and a public library.