Background
This project was part of the UMass Asian & Asian American Studies Certificate, aimed at exploring how Chinatown communities reflect immigrant resilience and shifting urban identity. Drawing on personal experience and academic research, I created a web-based visual essay documenting Manhattan and Flushing Chinatowns.
Approach & Process
Research and Discovery
I interviewed professors and PhD students working in Asian American studies and urban history to understand the layered cultural and political dynamics of Chinatown. I conducted additional archival research and examined patterns of exclusion, redevelopment, and resistance.
Fieldwork and Storytelling
I visited both neighborhoods to take original photographs that captured both everyday scenes and subtle signs of change. These images were paired with written reflections contextualizing their historical significance and cultural meaning.
Design and Development
The website was designed to be both reflective and informative.
Photo Scroll: Visitors can move through curated image sequences paired with short captions
Inviting Visual Feed: Warm tones and a clean layout create a thoughtful, immersive mood
Quick Overview Option: Skimmable content makes the site accessible to casual viewers and deeper readers alike
Key Features
Interactive photo narrative layout
Original photography paired with contextual writing
Designed for warmth, clarity, and visual storytelling
Optimized for desktop and mobile viewing
Results and Impact
The final project was presented during a UMass Asian & Asian American Studies Certificate showcase to faculty, students, and guests. It received positive feedback for its combination of academic rigor and emotional clarity, and now serves as a core piece of my visual storytelling portfolio.