DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY

DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY

THE CHINATOWN STUDY

1 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

2

DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY THE CHINATOWN STUDY

PROJECT TEAM

SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL LLP (SOM) 224 South Michigan Avenue Suite 1000 Chicago, IL 60604, USA CHICAGO STUDIO School of Architecture + Design College of Architecture & Urban Studies Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University 201 Cowgill Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA

CHICAGO LAB School of Architecture and the Department of City and Metropolitan Planning College of Architecture + Planning University of Utah 375 S. 1530 E. RM 235 Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA

3 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

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CONTENTS

07 INTRODUCTION 11 RESEARCH / ANALYSIS

Physical and Social Conditions History

23 VISION PLAN

Masterplan Corridor Improvements Infill Opportunities Before / After

33 CASE STUDY:

TRANSIT HUB

Site Conditions Process Proposition

53 WENTWORTH STUDY Site Conditions Process Proposition

63 FUTURE STUDY

Corridors Cermak Community

5 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

6

INTRODUCTION About Definition without Boundary This publication contains work completed in 2013 as part of ongoing studies by Virginia Tech’s CHICAGO STUDIO and the University of Utah’s CHICAGO LAB, in collaboration with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill - Chicago (SOM).

The work was guided and influenced by many organizations in the public and private sector, but most importantly, by Chinatown Chicago’s civic leadership and local community.

Through collaborative ideas, our mission is to help Chinatown establish a set of comprehensive principles, guidelines and goals: to promote, preserve and advance the rich culture, community and live-ability of the area. We have the sole intention of generating discussion - we are not solving problems, but raising questions of opportunity.

In summary, our 10 Guiding Principles Chinatown are the following:

1 2 3

Protect and build upon the existing historical, cultural and social strengths of Chinatown

4

Identify infill opportunities of underutilized residential/ commercial stock and vacant land to better serve a full range of ages and income levels

5

Find available open space and build new recreational, cultural and public parks for a clean and vibrant community

6

Create multimodal connections to local transit systems with CTA stops, dedicated pedestrian ways, bike lanes and car/bike sharing programs

7 for 8 9 10

Create a connected and walkable community, tying together existing and future important places Make Chinatown a 24-hour active, diverse and safe neighborhood for current residents, future residents, Chicagoans and tourists

Make identifiable district markers and gateways Activate the street corridors with a strong and diverse retail focus Integrate new and existing civic centers, programs and initiatives Make Chinatown a destination for all Chicagoans and an attraction for tourism

About CHICAGO STUDIO spaces in design firms, civic institutions and other private companies. The program relies on active partnerships in the public and private sector, ranging from global leaders in practice to the city government to the local community.

The process intentionally takes the university, the profession and the city out of the familiar and comfortable silos to drive true creativity and broad community-focused solutions that are relevant to the contemporary city. In just over 10 years, CHICAGO STUDIO has established an amazing outreach—directly engaging some 500 professionals, more than half of them local architects that are serving the city. This represents perhaps Chicago’s broadest design community—architects collaborating with other CHICAGO STUDIO exists in the form of a architects and design professionals to teach virtual campus—the classroom and lecture students together, and to provide a catalyst for hall are located within a network of shared design as a social good.

The program creates a neutral platform for the discussion of architecture and urbanism in Chicago, and the curriculum is guided by the collaboration of Chicago’s leading visionaries in an effort to generate innovative ideas for the city. This powerful mechanism directly integrates education and practice by embedding A+D students within some of Chicago’s leading architecture and urban design firms. It is a semester long, interdisciplinary program (architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, interior design) in Virginia Tech’s College of Architecture & Urban Studies. Real voices, real problems, and real stakeholders inspire the curriculum to create real opportunity.

Andrew Balster Director, CHICAGO STUDIO Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University College of Architecture & Urban Studies School of Architecture + Design 7 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

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9 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

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11

RESEARCH / ANALYSIS

THE CHINATOWN STUDY

Established through a rich history of transportation and community, the development of Chinatown is what makes the current community one of Chicago’s most unique assets.

Known for its vibrant culture, grounded in empowerment, unity, and community, Chinatown is a popular destination.

physical conditions are manifestations of historic events that have impacted and defined what the neighborhood is today.

Analyzing the existing physical and social conditions of Chinatown initiates an imaginative array of future Understanding how the neighborhood has evolved since possibilities of what Chinatown can be. it was first settled in 1912 reveals a powerful narrative behind the role of the community and its integration into the greater Chicago area. Using history as an initial platform establishes the background for how the current community functions.

From Chinese-Americans to newly immigrated residents, the vast spectrum of people within the community is a reflection of Chinatown’s dynamic culture. Situated between Chicago’s expressways and rail lines, Chinatown’s

11 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CHINATOWN SURROUNDING CONTEXT

DOWNTOWN

PILSEN

A THRIVING LATIN- AMERICAN COMMUNITYWITH AN UP AND COMING ART CULTURE.

CENTRAL STATION

MODERN COMMERCIAL AND LUXURY DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN OCCUPIED BY YOUNG FAMILIES AND RECENT RETIREES MOVING FROM THE SUBURBS.

MOTOR ROW

RECENTLY TRANFORMED MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT.

BRIDGEPORT

PRIMARILY AFFORDABLE RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD THAT IS A RECENT EXTENSION OF THE CHINATOWN COMMUNITY.

DOUGLAS

A HISTORIC CENTER OF BLACK AMERICAN CULTURE AND THE SITE OF VARIOUS HIGH RISE PUBLIC HOUSING DISTRICTS.

Chinatown is the center of an active network of diverse neighborhoods and popular attractions. The richness of its culture and community enhances the vibrant surrounding context. Chinatown’s unique businesses and vibrant community make it a popular destination for many.

12

A

5

0.

i

m

1

i

m

5

1.

B

C

i

m

D

13 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CHINATOWN EXPLAINED

1928

17th Anniversary Republic of China Parade, Wentworth Ave.

1928

Protest: Japanese Invasion of Manchuria, Wentworth Ave.

1932

1970

Moy Shee D.K. Building Drawing, Michaelsen and Rognstad, Inc.

1963 1944

1954

1960

HISTORIC IMAGERY

14

Lion dance, Wentworth Ave

Chinese AntiCommunist Returnees

1940

1920

Dragon Dance, Wentworth Ave.

GREEN SPACE

China Times Newspaper Window, Cermak St and Wentworth Ave

TRANSPORTATION

2009

Chinatown southfacing aerial image.

2013

1990

2000

2010

New Chinatown Library designed by SOM is Announced, Wentworth Ave

2ND WARD

WENTWORTH AVE

WENTWORTH AVE

25TH WARD

WARD

2ND WARD

SITE

SITE

CERMAK RD

CERMAK RD R HE

3RD

ER

CH

E

AV

AR

E AV

C

AR

LAND USE

WARD BOUNDARIES

15 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CHINATOWN BOUNDARIES

Chicago’s Chinatown is a place shaped by boundaries and unique street conditions. The ensuing studies explore the physical condition of other Chinatowns within the United States. All but two Chinatowns (San Francisco and Washington, D.C.) appear to have boundaries formed by transportation infrastructure.

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BOSTON

Washington, D.C.

NEW YORK

CHICAGO

San Francisco

LOS ANGELES

17 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CHINATOWN MOMENTS PHYSICAL

18

SOCIAL

19 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

DISPERSE LANDSCAPE FROM PING TOM PARK CONNECT OLD AND NEW WENTWORTH VISITORS

TOURISTS

CREATE FLEXIBLE HOUSING OPTIONS DIVERSIFY LOCAL BUSINESSES

CHICAGOANS

SERVE AGING POPULATION INCREASE DENSITY

YOUTH YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

ACCOMMODATE LATE NIGHT SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

NEW IMMIGRANTS

MAKE WENTWORTH VIBRANT

FAMILIES

ADD MORE PARKING

ELDERS RESIDENTS

LINK TO GREATER CHICAGO ATTRACT OUTSIDE POPULATION PRIORITIZE PEDESTRIAN AND BIKE SAFETY

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CONNECT ACTIVATE TRANSFER

TRANSCENDING THE BOUNDARIES THAT HAVE SHAPED THE COMMUNITY, REINFORCES CHINATOWN AS A DYNAMIC MULTIFACTED DESTINATION. THE DESIGN INTERVERNATIONS CONNECT CHINATOWN FROM WITHIN AND TO THE GREATER CHICAGO AREA, ACTIVATE LOCAL ASSETS, AND TRANSFER BETWEEN COMMUNITY AND CITY SCALE.

21 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

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23

VISION PLAN

THE CHINATOWN STUDY

The overall vision in Chinatown is to connect nearby neighborhoods, improve walking conditions from the Chicago River to Lake Michigan, and identify dense infill opportunities. Chinatown contains three primary corridors that are the focus of these design improvements.

Wentworth Avenue is the primary north/south street that acts as a cultural connection between the historical south and the newer housing and shopping developments to the north. In order to improve the connection between these areas, there is a proposal to realign Wentworth and expand the retail to the north. The major east/west street, Cermak Rd, connects the Pilsen neighborhood (west) to the Motor Row neighborhood (east). Congested with automobile traffic, Cermak must be safer and more efficient for pedestrians. Archer intersects both Wentworth

and Cermak as a diagonal within the city grid which runs from the North East to the South West. With an inwardly facing shopping center and public square, Archer has the potential to become a vibrant street with increased local businesses.

Throughout Chinatown there are opportunities for future development and increased building density. These infill areas are categorized as housing, industrial, and transitoriented sites. As the neighborhood expands past its current boundaries, there will be a need for increased housing for both current and prospective residents. With the arrival of more residents, the existing industrial district along the river will have the opportunity to provide high quality jobs and increas industrial density.

23 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

VISION PLAN MASTER PLANNING STUDY

Conducted in Summer of 2013 by University of Utah Chicago Lab

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25 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

VISION PLAN MAIN CORRIDORS

K

A ERM

C W EN

TW

AR CH E

R

O

26

R

TH

WENTWORTH GOAL:

10'-6"

10'-0"

WENTWORTH

PARKING STRIP

INCREASED SAFETY AND CONNECTIVITY

20'-6"

12'-0"

12'-0"

TRAVEL LANE

12'-0"

EXTENDED SIDEWALK

10'-0"

TRAVEL LANE

12'-0"

TRAVEL LANE

10'-6"

PARKING STRIP

10'-0"

TRAVEL LANE

10'-6"

PARKING STRIP

ARCHER GOAL:

10'-0"

8'-0"

6'-0"

12'-0"

PARKING STRIP BIKE LANE TRAVEL LANE

11'-0"

12'-0"

TURNING LANE

6'-0"

8'-0"

13'-0"

TRAVEL LANE BIKE LANE PARKING STRIP

18'-0"

20'-0"

8'-0"

8'-0"

PARKING STRIP

PARKING LOT

ER

CH AR

CREATE A VIBRANT MARKET STREET WITH INCREASED BUSINESS

10'-0"

6'-0"

BIKE LANE

19'-0"

10'-0"

PARKING

TRAVEL LANE

12'-0"

TURNING LANE

10'-0"

6'-0"

13'-0"

34'-0"

TRAVEL LANE BIKE LANE

12'-0"

8'-0"

TRAVEL LANE

NEW RETAIL PADS

CERMAK GOAL:

16'-0"

9'-0"

11'-0"

PARKING STRIP TRAVEL LANE

11'-0"

24'-0"

TRAVEL LANE

11'-0"

11'-0"

TRAVEL LANE

TRAVEL LANE

9'-0"

16'-0"

PARKING STRIP

CERMAK

MORE EFFICIENT TRAFFIC FLOW AND IMPROVED CONNECTION

19'-0"

8'-0"

10'-0"

PARKING STRIP TRAVEL LANE

10'-0"

BRT SHARED LANE

24'-0"

ALTERNATING LOADING ZONE

10'-0"

10'-0"

8'-0"

19'-0"

TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE PARKING STRIP

27 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

VISION PLAN INFILL OPPORTUNITIES

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HOUSING GOAL:

NEW HOUSING TYPES FOR CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE RESIDENTS

INDUSTRIAL GOAL:

CREATION OF HIGH-QUALITY JOBS

TRANSIT- ORIENTED GOAL:

MIXED USE LINKING OLD AND NEW COMMERCIAL AREAS

DEFINITION OF TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT

Transit-oriented development, TOD, is a type of community development designed to maximize access to public transport which includes a mixture of housing, office, retail and/or other commercial development and amenities integrated into a walkable neighborhood and located within a half-mile of quality public transportation.

–Center for Transit-Oriented Development 29 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

VISION PLAN BEFORE / AFTER

WENTWORTH PLAZA

WENTWORTH

PING TOM PARK These studies explore specific places in Chinatown and how they could be transformed to activate the area. These vignettes take place along the edges of Chinatown and are focused on connecting the edges back to the center. By making these places vibrant, colorful, and expressive of culture, the identity of Chinatown is strengthened.

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CERMAK

SHIPPING YARD

UNDER SHIPPING YARD Posters that read “IT’S GOOD TO BE HERE” tell visitors and residents that this is a strong and active community. Color, good lighting, and landscape transform these edge conditions into a pleasant and active pedestrian experience. Activity along these edges helps to reinforce the identity of Chinatown.

31 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

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33

CASE STUDY: TRANSIT HUB

THE CHINATOWN STUDY

The case study takes a closer look at a particular site in Chinatown that is considered the most critical opportunity.

As the convergence of all corridors and design principles, it has the potential to become an active center that thrives off of the energy and culture of the community. Situated among the CTA and Metra lines, it is already the place where people arrive to and depart from Chinatown.

and around these three places is important. A goal of the transit hub is to facilitate the movement between these three places and encourage the activity that happens at each.

There are places of activity outside of the Chinatown community, such as centers of industry, recreation, and culture. The heart of Chinatown is an important center in this network of centers that spans across the city. It is critical that Chinatown connects to the greater network in order to reinforce the neighborhood as a destination for all.

As the community continues to expand, it is important that its identity is not only maintained, but strengthened.

The case study understands this particular site as a center for the people of Chinatown and simultaneously, as a transportation node that connects the people and resources of Chinatown to the rest of the greater Chicago The transit hub is not a proposal, but an investigation into the conditions at the site and an exploration of those area. conditions, considering the greater context of the city. The There are places of activity within the local community, intent is for the hub to strengthen the heart and identity such as the Chinatown Gate, the People’s Square, and the of the Chinatown community, while connecting it to its CTA Red Line station. The movement of people between neighbors for a stronger urban network.

33 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CHINA OUR VISION FOR THE HEART OF

A NEW HUB FOR

TRANSFER ACROSS SCALES ACROSS BOUNDARIES BETWEEN TRAINS

34

ATOWN

35 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CASE STUDY: TRANSIT HUB SITE CONDITIONS

N

Tower Apartments + 220’

W

W C E

Red line

E

TC

W S

ACCESS TO TRANSFER CENTER

The building will allow access from each road of the site to the central transfer center

C E

Library

+ 35’

W

Site

C

SCALE

The average building height will range within the east and west neighboring conditions

E

W

Metra

C

E

TRANSFER CENTER

The transfer center will allow the metro and CTA Red line to connect to one another

20’ 3.5

W

W

65’

FAR

The FAR cannot exceed 3.5

W

W

HEIGHT

The maximum building height is restricted to 65 feet above street level

C

C

CTA RED LINE

The building cannot violate the CTA Red line setbacks. 10 feet underneath the track and on it’s sides as well as 20 feet above the track

30’

200’ 4.5

C

C E

C FAR

The FAR cannot exceed 4.5

E

HEIGHT

The maximum building height is restricted to 200 feet above street level

C E

25%

W C E

36

50’

10’

GREEN ROOF

At least 50% of total combined square footage of roofs within the site boundary will be covered by a “green roof”

W

STREET WALL CONTINUITY

The store front retail will be an extension of the current street wall on Wentworth

C E

50’ E

METRA

The building cannot violate the Metra line setbacks. 10 feet on the track sides as well as 30 feet above the track

Cermak

25%

10’

McCormick Place

HOTEL / RESIDENCE TOWER

The hotel / residence tower will be placed along Cermak due to ease of access and proximity to McCormick Place

PEOPLE’S SQUARE

PEOPLE’S SQUARE PEOPLE’S SQUARE

CHINATOWN GATE

CHINATOWN GATE WENTWORTH GATE

METRA LINE (WARD BOUNDARY)

CTA RED LINE

WENTWORTH AVE

W

C

E

CTA RED LINE STOP

CTA RED LINE STOP TRANSFER CENTER

37 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CASE STUDY: TRANSIT HUB SITE STREET CONDITIONS

38

CLARK

er

ch

Ar

Metra

Clark

Red lin e

Wentworth

Generally a quieter and less traveled street than the others that border the site, Clark has a walkable, pedestrian feel, due in part to the trees along the sidewalk. These trees are important to the identity of this street as it exists in the vicinity of the site.

Cermak

ARCHER

er

ch

Ar

Clark

Metra

Red lin e

Wentworth

Archer is heavily utilized by all modes of transportation and a very prominent radial street. It’s intersection with Wentworth creates difficulty for pedestrians trying to cross toward the People’s Square and Ping Tom Park.

Cermak

CERMAK (EAST OF TRAINS)

er

ch

Ar

Clark

Metra

Red lin e

Wentworth

The train lines passing overhead create very strong visual barriers at the site for those approaching from the east. The noise and shadows that they create make it a difficult space for pedestrians to enjoy.

Cermak

CERMAK (WEST OF TRAINS)

er

ch

Ar

Metra

Clark

Red lin e

Wentworth

Its width and traffic make Cermak a difficult street to cross. The width of the street alone creates a disconnect between Old Chinatown to the south and New Chinatown to the north. Conversely, in the east - west direction, Cermak provides a very direct connection between Chinatown and Lake Michigan.

Cermak

39 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CASE STUDY: TRANSIT HUB PROCESS

FORM

STUDY

VIE

W ESS ACC T CUI CIR

ING

ZON

The existing site conditions were compiled into a catalog of urban rules which included maximum building heights, street setbacks, floor to building ratios and design guidelines. The catalog formed the site’s maximum building envelope which began an intensive study of the building form. The thirty-two massing models were created to explore the team’s critical ideas. Qualities of many of the models were taken into consideration as the project progressed.

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CIRCUIT CIRCUIT This model focused on the idea of an elevated circuit above the trains, where a passenger can transfer from train to train. The circuit offers an interesting experience of hovering above the movement of the trains.

ELEVATED “TRANSFER ROOM”

CLOSED LOOP

ACCESS ACCESS Access points on all sides of the site allow for the project to meet each street equally. This model helped in thinking about the experience of moving from the street to a raised level.

ELEVATED “TRAIN STATIONS”

“COLUMNS” of ACCESS

VIEW VIEW A horizontally emphasized view and roof speak to the movement and direction of the trains. The architecture frames the Chicago skyline.

EXTENDED OVERHEAD PLANE

PANORAMIC VIEW EMPHASIZED

41 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CASE STUDY: TRANSIT HUB PROCESS: RESTORING A CULTURAL CENTER

A

B

C

F

D

E

EXISTING CONDITIONS A, FIELD HOUSE B. PING TOM PARK C. PEOPLE’S SQUARE D. PROPOSED SITE OF TRANSIT HUB E. HISTORIC WENTWORTH AVE F. LOCATION OF NEW CHINATOWN LIBRARY

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ARRIVAL

Orient and connect between key places Service Library

PROPOSED PARK

DESTINATION

Create a centralized place of recreation

CLEARED SITE + CENTRALIZED PARK

INTEGRATION

Reinforce Wentworth Corridor

INFILL + GREENROOF PARK

43 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CASE STUDY: TRANSIT HUB PROJECT

As transfer across scales and beyond boundaries, this study transforms the existing barriers created by transportation infrastructure into an infrastructure that embraces the transfer of people and ideas that happens through transportation.

The challenge that resulted pivoted on the tension between active and passive, connecting and residing.

To design a center for transfer, the center itself must exist. This study seeks to frame destinations as well as connections to, from, and within Chinatown.

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LAKE MICHIGAN

DOWNTOWN

MCCORMICK PLACE DISTANCE: 1.5 MI

GREATER CHICAGO AREA 45 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CASE STUDY: TRANSIT HUB PROJECT

A C

B

46

F

D E

A PEOPLE’S SQUARE

D GATEWAY PARK

B COMMUNITY BUILDING

E GREEN ROOF GARDEN

C LIBRARY

F TRANSFER PLATFORM

A

HEART FOR CHINATOWN COMMUNTIY BUILDING

LIBRARY

47 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CASE STUDY: TRANSIT HUB PROJECT

The overall proposition, as shown above, is an architectural and landscape response to the site. The Gateway Park welcomes riders from the transit hub and acts a place to orient yourself, while connecting pedestrians to the Chinatown Gate and the People’s Square. The first floor of the transit hub is a continuous street wall of retail. The pedestrian moves through one of four vertical cores into a raised space from which they may access train platforms and restaurants, while viewing Chinatown from above.

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CIRCUIT TRUSS

COLUMNS

CIRCUIT

ELEVATORS

STAIRS

ESCALATORS

COMBINED STRUCTURE

TRANSFER PLATFORM

PARKING

CIRCUIT

ACCESS

PLATFORM

HOTEL

RETAIL

VERTICAL ACCESS CORES

49 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CASE STUDY: TRANSIT HUB PROJECT

Embracing the train lines and making a place that celebrates transportation, facilitates the community’s growth. For residents, Chicagoans, and tourists alike, this is the way into and out of Chinatown.

OVERCOMING A BOUND 50

BY CELEBRATING

N

Red line

W C E

Metra

W

TC

E

Cermak

McCormick Place

W W

C

TRANSFER CENTER

E

The transfer center will allow the metro and CTA Red line to connect to one another

DARY

C E

S

ACCESS TO TRANSFER CENTER

The building will allow access from each road of the site to the central transfer center

G AND ACTIVATING IT

C E

HOTEL / RESIDENCE TOWER

The hotel / residence tower will be placed along Cermak due to ease of access and proximity to McCormick Place

44

51 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

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53

WENTWORTH STUDY THE CHINATOWN STUDY

From festivals to protests to funeral processions, Wentworth Avenue is firmly present in Chinatown’s history. Today, Wentworth strings together the evolution of Chinatown.

It reaches on its northern end toward Ping Tom Park, a place of vast parkland and retreat from Chicago’s dense urbanism. On the southern side, Wentworth serves to connect communities as much of Chinatown’s population has expanded beyond its southern boundary. Between these edges, Wentworth intersects Cermak Road, forming a connection to greater Chicago.

Historic Wentworth to the Chinatown community and the impact design can have on the perception of streets as not only connectors, but places in themselves. It questions the distinction between built and natural environments to explore a street condition that is alive at every scale. As Wentworth is the physical time line of Chinatown’s history, it is only natural that its streetscape should reflect this evolution of people and place. The design can adapt to suit each of its users and become an imprint of both past and present.

As Chinatown’s population continues to grow in all directions from its once center along Wentworth, a new heart must be defined and accessible. The opportunity to reinstate Wentworth as a cultural corridor, uniting the Chinatown community, is reliant on the street condition.

The following exploration studies the importance of

53 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

THE HEART DEFINING CHINATOWN’S CULTURAL CENTER

CHAMBERS A. LEFT ATRIUM // NEW CHINATOWN

(receives deoxygenated blood) B. RIGHT ATRIUM // HISTORIC CHINATOWN

(receives oxygenated blood) C. LEFT VENTRICLE // GATEWAY PARK

(forces blood out, short distance) D. RIGHT VENTRICLE // TRANSFER CENTER

(forces blood out, long distance) WALLS E. MYOCARDIUM // CTA + METRA

(muscular contraction) F. EPICARDIUM // SHIPPING YARD, DAN RYAN + STEVENSON INTERSTATES, CHICAGO RIVER (visceral) ARTERIES G. LEFT CORONARY ARTERY // ARCHER AVE H. LEFT ANTERIOR DESCENDING ARTERY // CERMAK RD I. RIGHT CORONARY ARTERY // WENTWORTH

F

F

54

A HC G B

I E

F

D E

TRANSIT HUB SITE

WENTWORTH STUDY EXISITING PUBLIC SPACE (SIDEWALKS + PLAZAS) PROPOSED SIDEWALK EXTENSION

N N

55 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

CHINESE SCREENS & LANDSCAPES AN INTERACTIVE LANDSCAPE SCREEN STUDY

RIGID SOFT FLUID

CROSS SECTION THROUGH THE WENTWORTH ARTERY Erosion of boundaries between the built and natural street

56

SOURCE: designtaxi.com

SOURCE: thisiscollassal.comm

MODERN CHINESE LANDSCAPE PAINTINGS: YANG TONGLIANG & YAO LU

CHICAGO CHINATOWN WALLS + SCREENS

SOURCE: http://zoom.mfa.org/fif=sc2/sc272715.fpx&obj=iip,1.0&wid=960&cvt=jpeg

17TH CENTURY CHINESE LACQUER COROMANDEL SCREEN, QUING DYNASTY

57 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

THE STREET AS PUBLIC SPACE WENTWORTH AND ITS USERS

R E S TA U R A N T

VISITORS TOURISTS CHICAGO RESIDENTS

RESIDENTS YOUTH FAMILIES NEW IMMIGRANTS ELDERLY

BAKERIES FORMAL DINING INFORMAL DINING

CLOTHING FURNITURE GIFT SHOPS ELECTRONICS

DESIGN RESPONSE STREET SIDE

35% GROCERY/MARKET FISH PRODUCE ASIAN SPECIALTY

COMMUNITY CENTERS SCHOOLS CHURCHES

RESIDENTIAL

OTHER

BANKS OFFICES DOCTORS PHARMACIES POST OFFICES

WENTWORTH BUSINESSES

RIGID COLLECT

10%

SOFT

6%

FLUID

APARTMENT BUILDING

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

58

30%

R E TA I L

.01% 19%

FLOW

STOREFRONT

PLACES PLACES

THE TOURIST

THE LOCAL

THE CHILD

59 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

HEARTBEAT CREATING A FREQUENCY OF EROSION

60

HANG

REST

ENCLOSE

ELEVATION

PLAN

61 DEFINITION WITHOUT BOUNDARY, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2013.

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63

FUTURE STUDY THE CHINATOWN STUDY

Chinatown is expanding beyond its physical boundaries, while still maintaining a strong community and identity.

There is a need for space and a want for more activity.

A large number of people pass through the neighborhood every day, both by the El and by the main roads that pass through it. There is an incredible amount of potential studies within Chinatown based on its current situation and location. Proposals, such as the vision plan and transit hub, are only the beginning in a series of studies to better understand Chinatown. The studies aim to connect and activate the community as it continues to expand and grow.

How can these corridors reach past the boundaries of Chinatown while still maintaining its identity? Is it possible to connect to a greater network of transportation to bring in more business and activity? Future studies should address this greater connection while recognizing and responding to the local conditions.

The corridors are the means by which Chinatown connects to its surroundings. The Cermak corridor offers great potential in connecting to very active areas. It links Chinatown to McCormick Place and Pilsen, both very busy and vibrant places. If Cermak was designed to better link By analyzing the vision plan and transit hub, a number of Chinatown to these areas, the business and activity would future studies arise. How can the corridors better support fill Chinatown. A future study by the University of Utah will the growth that Chinatown is experiencing? investigate the role of Cermak in the greater vision plan of connecting and activating Chinatown.

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FUTURE STUDY OVERALL IMPACT CERMAK

CONNECTION TO PILSEN, A FLOURISHING CREATIVE HUB, AND MCCORMICK PLACE, A MAJOR TOURISM ATTRACTION C1. CREATIVE CONNECTION TO PILSEN C2. ARTS CO-OP INTEGRATING ADJACENT NEIGHBORHOODS, ALSO AN EXTENSION OF THE CERMAK CREATIVE INDUSTRIES PLAN C3. HOSPITALITY INDUSTRIES TOWARDS MCCORMICK PLACE

WENTWORTH

ACTIVATION THROUGH VIBRANT LOCAL RESTAURANT AND RETAIL PRESENCE

W1

W1. CONTINUOUS COMMERCIAL SCHEME THAT LINKS TO ROOSEVELT ROAD W2. BOUTIQUE HOTEL AND RESIDENTIAL SPACE WILL ACCOMMODATE BOTH TOURISTS AND RESIDENTS W3. PEDESTRIAN CORRIDOR TO UNITE OLD AND NEW CHINATOWN

ARCHER

TRANSFER OF SCALES BETWEEN COMMUNITY AND GREATER CHICAGO THROUGH MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION

A1

A1. TOUR BUSES MAY ONLY STOP ALONG ARCHER IN ORDER TO NOT INTERFERE WITH PEDESTRIAN CORRIDOR ALONG WENTWORTH A2. CTA AND METRA TRANSFER CENTER TO CREATE AN EXCHANGE BETWEEN CHINATOWN, THE GREATER CHICAGO, AND SUBURBS

C1

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A2

W2

C2

C3

W3

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FUTURE STUDY CERMAK CORRIDOR

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A COLLABORATION BETWEEN

CHICAGO STUDIO School of Architecture + Design College of Architecture & Urban Studies Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

CHICAGO LAB School of Architecture and the Department of City and Metropolitan Planning College of Architecture + Planning University of Utah IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

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SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL LLP (SOM) ACADEMIC INVESTIGATIONS, 2013. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.