My research began with the history of carp transfer in America from China. Initially welcomed by European immigrants for their rarity and beauty, carp later became invasive, reproducing rapidly and falling out of favor. Today, they are sold only beneath bridges in Chinatown—hidden, yet surviving. This led me to study the carp’s evolution as a metaphor for cultural endurance and adaptation.
I focused on the largest public housing complex in Chinatown, beside Wong Tai Sin Temple—located on the ground floor of a Western-style brick building. From the rooftops of these residential blocks, I envisioned circular bridges rising—supported by the buildings themselves. These bridges reconnect the fragmented neighborhood, offering space for gathering, eating, and celebration. Dragon and lion dances can take place here, turning the structure into a living stage.
This elevated public space reimagines the traditional Chinese ancestral hall—once used for weddings, funerals, and festivals. Anyone passing by can join in, just as people would back home in China.
