Urban Archives Projects
Here we showcase some projects that have been completed or that continue to grow and evolve as we gather more data. Further down this page, we have listed ongoing components of the Urban Archives, such as collaborations and teaching.
Undergraduate Projects
Undergraduates typically research one particular aspect or one particular area of Seattle over the course of the quarter. The final presentation of their research spans many forms and media.
- Aurora Avenue: Highway Culture in Transition
[presentation] [paper] - Broadway 2005: An observation of text
- Graffiti Digital Collection
- King County Metro Buses
- Observing the HUB
- Smoking Ban Aftermath
- Private/Public onThe Ave.
- Public toilet in Hing Hay Park
- Aurora Bridge
- Political yard art
- Safeco Field
Photo: Emily Fischer. Seattle bridge graffiti.
Graduate Projects
Our collections consist of original analysis of various texts. By studying public spaces and their narratives, we explore the city through and beyond its vibrant tapestry of signs and interwoven stories.
Photo: Tom Dobrowolsky. A Ghost sign in Seattle’s Pioneer Square.
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Ongoing Components, Collaborations, and Research
Urban Archives Digital Collections
We are working with the University of Washington Libraries
in an ongoing collaboration to develop a digital archives of
urban texts from around the world.
Search our Digital Collections at the UW Libraries
Independent Study
We are mentoring undergraduate research partners and
collaborators. We offer independent study credit through the
Department of Communication. Selected student projects are
spotlighted at right.
Learn more about research opportunities.
the Urban Archivist
A weblog containing narrative vignettes and snapshots of informal observations of the urban landscape.
Urban Archives Notebook
Our wiki for case files, research notes, research ideas, instructions and teaching tools, and project administration.
