Cultural Preservation in the Resettlement Landscape
A Case Study of The Puerto Rican Vernacular In Philadelphia
This research effort examined the modification of the social and
architectural landscape, as migrants move from their home state
to the receiving state. I investigated the physical adaptation of space and what role cultural and social preservation, if any, serves
the migrating communities in these periods of transition, specifically in cities with substantial development and growth pressures.
I analyzed existing planning and preservation practices whose aim is to safeguard cultural community assets and question whether or not these policies and practices potentially hinder or aid communities during periods of migration and integration.
Additionally, I questioned whether or not these adopted and integrated spatial forms define a new period of architecture, confronting the need to reconsider the, at times, static terminology of preservation. Or whether or not there is an inherent call to redefine the meaning of Historic Preservation as something flexible to changing cultural and practical shifts. To do so, I researched the neighborhoods of Eastern North Philadelphia, specifically those of Fairhill and West Kensington, in order to analyze the architectural transformation as it relates to the latest Puerto Rican exodus and to its historic diasporas.
To download and read the full body of research, click here.
I analyzed existing planning and preservation practices whose aim is to safeguard cultural community assets and question whether or not these policies and practices potentially hinder or aid communities during periods of migration and integration.
Additionally, I questioned whether or not these adopted and integrated spatial forms define a new period of architecture, confronting the need to reconsider the, at times, static terminology of preservation. Or whether or not there is an inherent call to redefine the meaning of Historic Preservation as something flexible to changing cultural and practical shifts. To do so, I researched the neighborhoods of Eastern North Philadelphia, specifically those of Fairhill and West Kensington, in order to analyze the architectural transformation as it relates to the latest Puerto Rican exodus and to its historic diasporas.
To download and read the full body of research, click here.
