Unpacking Tourism: Designing through a locals-first lens

Kylie Nixholm // Advisor: Sarah Lippmann

Unpacking Tourism: Designing through a locals-first lens

Tourism in cities has increased worldwide, leading to cultural commodification and the displacement of local residents due to increased living costs and a saturation of short-term rentals. How can cities cultivate spaces that serve their residents while also allowing travelers to visit more mindfully? Drawing inspiration from Albergo Diffuso, an Italian concept which disperses hotel accommodations and programming throughout a small village, this project aims to create a new model for hospitality and urban planning. Using Charleston, South Carolina, as a prototype, tourists are integrated into the city's fabric through homestays with locals, keeping long term residents, now also homeowners, within city limits. This hospitality model integrates local businesses and accommodations within a one-block radius, so locals can stay local, and tourists can experience a curated authentic visit. Through this approach, my thesis presents a scalable framework for cities facing similar challenges, ultimately reimagining tourism to actively support locals rather than displacing them.