E23RD, 2024

There probably isn't a more alien feeling than being utterly and hopelessly disconnected from the people most like you. This is how I feel as a queer Asian who knows almost no other queer Asians despite residing in Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the US. Attempts during college and in my hometown proved fruitless. And over the years, as I've faced more racial discrimination from others within the queer community, my need for this community of shared AAPI identities has never been stronger.

East23rd envisions a multi-use commercial space dedicated to sharing queer AAPI identities and fostering creative and intellectual collaboration among queer AAPIs. I constrained myself to the realistic parameters of a NY office building (but without the commercial codes, haha). I aimed to create an inviting space with a strong emphasis on collaboration where everyone feels welcomed and seen and is adaptable for various purposes, from co-working to events to lectures. 

This involved designing areas with large group seating and tables, limiting solitary spaces. All couches are big and curved for inclusivity, while the open layout encourages the free flow of energy. Quiet areas like reading zones and study bar tops are still strategically placed near busy areas to maintain a collaborative atmosphere. An art closet built off donations, further encourages community-building.

The sketches reflect the various forms and iterations I explored, highlighting an initial concern for designs that were overly thematic and felt like restaurants. The final design features an organic space with a neutral base, creating an inviting ambiance and prioritizing the showcasing of community work. I avoided excessive thematic elements, opting for subtle and ambiguous motifs inspired by a variety of different Asian cultures. The chosen fabrics for large pieces like couches and chairs were neutral, with accents in greens, yellows, and reds. The walls, predominantly natural wood or white, further contribute to a creative energy.

This project was definitely an aspirational one for me. Beyond being fun design practice, it felt like a step towards manifesting a reality where such a space exists for myself and others like me.