Phase 1: Mapping Chinatown
Mapping, in this context, entails the endeavor to transform extensive information into a new graphical language for visualization
Our investigation quickly unveiled that the Chinese restaurants were a central gathering place for the Downtown Chinese Community. These venues played a vital role in cultivating community engagement, and hosting a range of activities, including discussions on current affairs.
At the core of communal interaction, these dining spots sculpted a blended culture that echoed the essence of their Chinese heritage while introducing an innovative culinary experience to non-Asian customers. Adapting continuously, they catered to evolving public preferences, offering dance floor entertainment and live music. Embracing diverse festivities, they tailored their offerings to suit different groups, extending Christmas greetings to Christians, displaying college flags for football enthusiasts, and sharing Happy Holidays wishes with Jewish patrons.
The most renowned restaurants during that period were Port Authur, Mee Hong, Ming Garden, and Luke's Chinese American Restaurant.
Port Authur [1921 – 1965] (left), Mee Hong [1938 – 1979] (right)
Ming Garden [1942 – 1987] (left), LUKE’S Chinese American Restaurant [1951 – 1990] (right)
However, by the 1980s, tastes had change. No longer was was the fusion Cantonese-American popular with non-Asians. Additionally, combined with the rising rent prices downtown, the Chinese restaurants that were once the beating heart of Providence downtown culture were shut down for good. Many of these former locations have been converted into parking lots or have yet to be rented out. Many of these preeminent restaurant families moved away, either to surburban Rhode Island or further to Boston and New York City.
Menu Spreads Details
Every menu is designed in a style inspired by the advertisements of the restaurants in the historic Providence Journal. The purpose was to evoke a sense of nostalgia for the few customers who remember these eateries while introducing the larger audience to the essence of these once-central gathering places they can no longer experience firsthand. The menus are thus crafted from the personal anecdotes and memories of customers.
Phase 2: Providence Garden
Together, my peers and I wanted to take a step further and transport the audience back in time. We established Providence Garden, an immersive space allowing the audience to reencounter the essence of these Chinese restaurants that were integral to downtown Providence.
Providence Garden Menu