Bridging Care

“A Woman Under the Influence” by John Cassavetes centers on Mabel, a woman struggling with mental health issues and societal stigmas, especially as a mother. The story highlights her abrupt transition from 24-hour inpatient treatment with no outside contact to returning home without follow-up care. In Switzerland, few mental health institutions cater specifically to the needs of parents during deinstitutionalization, making supportive environments crucial.

At Molkenstrasse 20, we propose a community care centre for non-cis-men parents following institutionalisation due to mental health issues. This centre, staffed by ten professionals—including social workers, art therapists, and child therapists—will accommodate parents and their children, aged 0 to 6, for up to two years. The centre aims to promote autonomy, stability, and healthy family relationships during this critical transition.

The ground floor features artistic workshops functioning as therapeutic spaces during the day and venues for fundraising events in the evenings, fostering community life and social reintegration. The first floor includes communal areas, such as a nursery and common rooms for parents, while the second and third floors have ten adaptable rooms. Each floor includes a social worker's office, ensuring continuous support for families. The attic houses private therapy rooms and staff gathering spaces.

Preserving the existing building's brick structure and staircase allows for flexible floor plan arrangements. The facade of the inner courtyard has been opened with light metal balconies and roof terraces, dissolving the building's heaviness to create communal spaces. Each floor features a central utility stripe with bathrooms, storage, and integrated furniture, balancing intimate living areas and communal spaces. The design fosters privacy and interaction, offering a transformative space for recovery and reintegration.

Project by: Alina Shade, Pénélope Croset, Zelal Sari

Teaching team: Anna Puigjaner, Dafni Retzepi, Ethel Baraona Pohl, Shen He, Jo Baan, Lisa Maillard, Luis Úrculo, Pol Esteve Castelló, Shen He

Spring 2024