A 3D rendering of a chinese cultural exhibit with a introduction panel with antique items titled Under the Lanterns, also filled with many red and yellow lanterns at the ceiling

Building new connections

SJSU – Lead Designer & Art Director

Space

Illustration

Art Direction

Text about how smaller communities within the Chinese diaspora can be overlooked and my exhibit can preserve culture

Background

I researched and interviewed Cantonese communities in Northern California to explore their language, history, food, and identity. Using these insights, I envisioned an interactive exhibition in San Francisco that celebrates and preserves Cantonese culture while connecting different sub-communities.

Research

Some families stay closely connected to their Cantonese culture after immigrating, while others balance it with other heritages. This inspired my branding direction: like lanterns, we are all connected despite our differences, highlighting both shared traditions and cultural hybridity.

Words that describe Cantonese culture: Traditional, lucky, delightful, unique, loud, and unified

Statistics on speaking to Cantonese parents and relatives, US born citizens of immigrant parents, and speaking Mandarin over other dialects

Collage of chinese communities, places, food, and history

Process

I drew inspiration from interactive exhibitions like San Francisco’s Color Factory and TeamLab, using immersive elements such as shapes, blocks, and motion-responsive floors. I envisioned digital screens showcasing Lunar New Year foods and a reflection room where visitors could share their photos and describe what Cantonese means to them, preserving culture and community memory.

Exhibit room on the Cantonese population in California, there is a floor heat map and it is interactive as you step on it

Exhibition room on different dumplings from various regions of China

Exhibit room on the Lunar new year dish Ho See Fat Choi, and panels of the dish

Reflections

Over the past four and a half months, this project has deepened my appreciation for preserving culture and understanding the diversity within the Cantonese community. It inspired me to embrace my own roots, connect more with my family overseas, celebrate our community’s progress, and explore new creative tools like Autodesk Fusion 360.

Exhibit room of a world map of different immigrations around the world to America

Exhibit room of being proud to be Cantonese, you can type in keywords and upload a photo of yourself to add it to the digital wall of the community

Special Thank You

Special thanks to my mom for her constant support, my thesis advisors Connie Hwang, Sik Lee Dennig, and Randall Sexton, the Chinese Cultural Center in San Francisco for floor plan and photo references, and all surveyed participants for their support and patience throughout the process.