Catalytic Voids: Reprogramming Chinatown Alleyways By Utilizing Their Intrinsic Facades

Abstract

This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.This doctoral project studies the intrinsic characteristics of alleyways to identify catalyst moments for reprogramming. Alleyways are underutilized spaces, but with the integration of transformable installations that respond to specific site conditions and user needs, alleyways can be reclaimed for public use. Multiple scales were analyzed in order to catalog alleyway typologies and roles within an urban fabric. Current revitalization projects occurring within alleyways today were also studied to pinpoint successful uses of alleyway spaces. Chinatown alleyways were selected due to their Low-Rise Mixed-Use context and the juxtaposition of the standardized storefront facades with the alleyway facades. The facade of alleyways represents their intrinsic features (materiality, textures, hidden elements and historical characteristics) which makes them unique. A design guideline for choosing and evaluating the alleys was created in order to apply it to any alleyway, specifically the alleys in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. The premise is to identify the intrinsic qualities of the alleyways and utilize them with transformable interventions to reprogram their use.