OJA Extension: A Threshold of Expression

The autobiographical graphic novel Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel illustrates the struggles in communication within a family, particularly between the two main characters: teenage daughter Alison and her closeted father, Bruce. Literature acts as the only means of mediation between them, helping them to express their identities.

In Schwamendingen, families face common challenges. Inspired by Alison and Bruce’s experiences, we locate existing spaces that facilitate spontaneous conversations. Places like the library, the social club, the ballet centre, and the OJA Youth centre serve as the foundation for our project, aimed at bridging communication gaps between parents and 10 to 15-year-old teens.

The OJA Youth centre provides a refuge from domestic pressures, offering project rooms, leisure activities, and guidance for teenagers. Understanding the importance of distance in effective communication, our proposal introduces a new space within the OJA, respecting separation. Thresholds become triggers for meaningful dialogue, fostering natural interaction without imposing connectivity.

Our design incorporates shared cooking and creative spaces, along with open areas for gardening and sports, fostering sensory connections. Strategic planning encourages communication flow through spaces like stairs, courtyards, and pergolas. By removing barriers and offering choices for engagement, we establish a gradient of openness, promoting genuine connections and identity expression within the community.

Project by: Alexandra Yarochkina, Andreï Zündel, Yaqi Liao

Teaching team: Anna Puigjaner, Jo Baan, Lisa Maillard, Luis Úrculo, Pol Esteve Castelló, He Shen

Design Studio: Autumn 2023