This project explores the complex history and emotional resonance of Chinatowns in the United States: born from discrimination, but transformed into spaces of cultural pride and community. Inspired by my own experiences growing up as an Asian-American in Texas - where my identity often felt out of place, especially around food - this piece reflects on how places like our local Chinatown became rare spaces of comfort and recognition for me as a child.

Combining personal narrative with research of early architecture in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the project pairs thoughtful visuals with Calvino’s poetic writing to honor the duality of Chinatowns: both their painful origins and the vibrant celebration of culture that has grown from them.

A digital version is available below, along with photos of a risograph-printed edition, which uses a more vivid color palette.