Small Talk

The proposed community space invites openness and accessibility, characterised by large windows and signs that show its connection to Kurdish culture. Inside, visitors can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere filled with images of Kurdistan, traditional music, and opportunities for dialogue. By fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment, the design aims to strengthen community ties, celebrate cultural heritage, and create a vibrant hub for the Kurdish diaspora in Zurich.

In Switzerland, norms of family structures and responsibilities remain deeply rooted in society, with the nuclear family often causing isolation, dependence, oppression, and abuse for queer women. Considering the lack of institutions for alternative care constellations, we envision revising Zurich's traditional building block dwellings to better accommodate queer mothers. Understanding "mothers" as all caregivers, regardless of blood relation, allows a redefinition of roles and expectations. Collective spaces distributed vertically foster shared care labour, accommodating diverse needs while preserving privacy and intimacy.

The intervention begins by joining the circulation systems of two neighbouring buildings into one staircase, with an elevator ensuring barrier-free access. Enlarged staircases transform into communal spaces and extensions of dwellings. Apartments are adapted to integrate with collective areas, encouraging connection among inhabitants and shared care throughout the community. By providing spaces for naps, play, rest, and reflection, the design promotes shared caregiving while preserving opportunities for self-care and supporting diverse forms of motherhood.

Taking advantage of the building's verticality, the design organises communal programs on the ground floor, quieter spaces across the upper levels, and rooftop extensions. Spaces for feeding, playing, and resting together are emphasised, alongside areas for solitude and reflection. By transforming circulation into an extension of the dwelling, the design fosters a balance between community and intimacy, allowing diverse caregiving practices to flourish.

Project by: Marlene Metzler, Mona Lecoultre, Theresa Zuhr

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

Spring 2024