Many immigrants coming to the United States are expected to undergo a process of assimilation, adapt an American ideology, and become Americanized. Americanization diminishes immigrant cultures and history and forgets their contributions. In Queens, New York, according to the Census Bureau, approximately 47.2% of the population is foreign-born in 2019. So how are the immigrants represented? How do they tell their stories?

Re-Americanize counters the flattening process of Americanization. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of immigrant cultures within Queens, providing a platform for multicultural expression. By encouraging immigrants to explore, represent, and share their heritage through artistic representation Re-Americanize creates spaces of cultural exchange and dialogue.

Spitzer School of Architecture, CCNY

Unit 25