Matt Patterson Email and Phone Number

I am an urban sociologist whose research examines the relationship between cities and culture. In particular, I am interested in uncovering the ways that place characteristics such as density, demographics, and urban design influence the emergence of distinct cultural practices, products, and institutions. I have pursued this research through studies of museum development, the emergence of arts districts, and the economic and social impacts of iconic architectural projects or "starchitecture". Currently my main focus is on the role of cultural planning and placemaking projects within North American Chinatowns.