Dream Little Tokyo
Goals
Process
Outcome
Children, adults, and elders all contributed to a collective dream map, and added drawings that ranged from the imaginative (an art wall) to the practical (curb cuts for wheelchair accessible sidewalks). The ideas shared through this mapping activity informed suggestions submitted by the Little Tokyo Service Center to the Downtown LA 2040 Community Plan.
Increase understanding of resident concerns, desires, and needs through an inclusive, engaging activity.
Foster a stronger sense of belonging among culturally and linguistically diverse residents in Little Tokyo.
I created a large-scale map rendering of Little Tokyo that was left blank except for street names and cultural landmarks. At the first Casa Heiwa apartment-wide barbeque event organized by the creative project team I led at Little Tokyo Service Center, residents were invited to fill in the map with things they would like to see in their “dream” Little Tokyo neighborhood.
A collective “dream Little Tokyo” map with residents’ vision for their neighborhood.