Graduation project
Amsterdam Chinatown Arch
Tian Xia
A reproduction of the Amsterdam Chinatown Arch questions the authenticity of an architectural symbol that is replicated around the world.
The Amsterdam Chinatown Arch welcomes visitors who expect to explore the oriental part of the city. Originally a secluded enclave for Chinese migrants, Chinatown has become a replicated global phenomenon that serves as a successful commercial attraction. The historic reality of Chinatown has faded, replaced by a constructed reality that is accepted as truth by visitors. The Amsterdam Chinatown Arch project questions this constructed reality by reconstructing its symbolism, highlighting its fabricated nature. If it serves as a container of information and fairy tales, rather than a true representation of lived experiences, why would we believe the Chinatown Arch?