At SYMP26, Kelty Miyoshi McKinnon, Director/Principal at PFS Studio, and Brian McBay, Director at 221A, came together for a conversation on Manifesting Asian Experience in the Public Realm — exploring how the stories of Asian communities can be meaningfully expressed within the city, grounded in Vancouver's deep and complex history shaped by Chinese, Japanese, and South Asian communities since the late 1800s.
Kelty and Brian examined what meaningful storytelling looks like in rapidly evolving and gentrifying cities, and how contemporary narratives can be shared while still honouring those who came before. Their conversation traced how both tangible and intangible heritage can remain present in urban spaces — shaping neighbourhoods that are distinctive, resonant, and deeply connected to the communities they serve.
