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Advisor(s)
Dave van Bakergem, Eleni Bastea, Katherine Corbett
Language
English (en)
Date of Award
1991
Degree Type
Restricted Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Architecture and Urban Design (March & UD)
Abstract
A mere mention of the word Chinatown and images of a colorful and lively Asian community come to the mind of many people. Chinatowns are city neighborhoods where one visits for the inexpensive Oriental delicacies as well as a glimpse of life in the Far East. Chinatowns, in the eyes of outsiders, are seen as model ethnic communities which have managed to preserve the traditions, culture and language of the Chinese community. The Chinese in particular, and the Asian community in general, have often been viewed as the modern ethnic success story, of managing to achieve success through hard work and dedication. In an article in St Louis Commerce, the scholarly achievements of the Chinese students in high schools and colleges were lauded as well as the professional accomplishments of their elders. An issue of Newsweek on Campus presents the Asian American students as having an inner desire to excel. This ethnic group is the epitome of the American dream: "work hard and you'll rise to the top". But these are just myths for there are failures within the community itself. Such myths misrepresent the state of other Asian Americans as well and may hamper their progress in the future. Likewise, Chinatowns are an enigma, with both fact and fiction juxtaposed with stereotypes accorded to the places and inhabitants throughout the years.
In North America, the Asian ancestry make up only about three percent of the whole population. Large Asian communities abound in cities such as San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle. There is a more visible Asian community on the West coast as it is the 'gateway' to the Pacific rim. Historically, the West Coast was also the first area the majority of the Chinese immigrants first ventured into the United States. In the year 1997, China will take over the operations of the island of Hong Kong. This has contributed to the increase of migration into cities along the West coast.
St Louis has a population of over 6000 American Chinese. Yet unlike those other cities, no such ethnic district presently exists. In the minds of people, a Chinatown district has to be one within the confines of downtown, 'consecrated' by a gateway and legitimized by lanterns, banners or signs in the language of the ethnic group. It has been suggested that a new planned district might be an impetus in bringing people downtown again. At present, there is a perception that downtown St Louis is dying and a thematic district may be one of the magnets in attracting people back into the now pallid city. Even in informal discussions with people within the city, the idea of having such a district is seen as a positive move. This thesis will thus investigate the idea of Chinatowns today, using the city of St Louis as a case study.
Overall, this thesis is more a historical and sociological study with ideas of urbanity intermingled in between. The thesis will first look into the history of Chinese immigration into the United States, the different periods involved as well as the conditions for migration. The history and origins of Chinatown, the different types of districts, and the socio-political conditions within the places themselves will then be investigated and explained. After that, a section will be devoted to the ideas for and against a Chinatown in this day and age. A case study of the city of St Louis will be made, retracing the earlier issues. Finally, a summary and vision for Chinatown districts will be provided. Through this process, it is hoped that the myths, history as well as future of Chinatowns be unravelled. This study is based upon both empirical and theoretical/historical research. While collecting empirical data, I remained aware of my own experiences growing up in a Chinatown district in Malaysia, comparing and contrasting them to the experiences of the American Chinese. And because of my own Chinese heritage, I felt the need to dispel the myths of Chinatowns. The empirical part of the research consists of informal interviews and conversations with people- Americans, of Chinese heritage; non-Chinese and also non-Americans-who live or utilize the businesses in Chinatown districts. The theoretical portion of the research is obtained through prior work of sociologists, geographers, and other scholars interested in this subject.
Recommended Citation
Au, Tai Yeow, "Chinatown: Place and Memory, A Case Study of St. Louis' Chinatown" (1991). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 75.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/etd_restrict/75
Comments
Available in print at https://spokane.wustl.edu/record=1872837.
Call Number: LD5791.8 MArch&UD91 A92