Atelier Seattle: Engaging Immigrants and Refugees in the Design, Production and Exchange of Ethnic Clothing

Abstract

An architectural design thesis documenting the design of a multi-cultural center in Seattle's Chinatown-International District. The building program centers on the cultural significance of dress for immigrants and refugees and its role in the acculturation process. The project seeks to engage immigrant in the design, production, and exchange of clothing. Form-making strategies deriving from the construction of clothing are applied to architecture.