Urban design in downtown revitalization: The Main-King block in Winnipeg's Chinatown

This practicum addresses urban design in downtown revitalization, by taking a combined approach to downtown decline and multicultural issues that have been significant in Canadian urban development since the 1960s. The discussion of Winnipeg's Chinatown and the Main-King Block presents an example for conducting urban design with the emphasis on urban space planning and design. The necessity and opportunity for Winnipeg's Chinatown redevelopment is demonstrated through comprehensive history reviews, site analyses and case studies. Urban Design, Urban Space and Multiculturalism are discussed in theory and in practice to set up the foundation for the final recommendations which include the urban design guidelines for Winnipeg's Chinatown revitalization and the Main-King Block concept proposal 2001. The study is based mainly on the urban design theories of Kevin Lynch and Christopher Alexander. The spatial analysis is conducted at four levels: downtown Winnipeg, Main-Street area, Winnipeg's Chinatown district and the Main-King block. The final Concept Proposal 2001 includes a Site Master Plan, Urban Design guideline, Architectural Programming, and Administrative Context. The intent of the guideline recommendation is to preserve the historic fabric of Winnipeg's Chinatown and revitalize the Chinatown's situation in physical, economic, and cultural. This practicum contributes to Winnipeg's Chinatown revitalization by providing a way of performing urban design in a cultural context in downtown area. The study will be shared with Chinatown Development Corporation, Raymond S.C. Wan Architect, Winnipeg City Planning Department and Centre Venture Corporation.