(Birth) House

This proposal establishes a centre at Helvetiaplatz as a supportive hub for pre- and post-natal care, facilitating dialogue and community building for individuals navigating pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. The centre aims to create an inclusive environment for those considering or struggling with these experiences, fostering connection and support.

Ami McKay’s novel The Birth House chronicles the transition from traditional home births led by midwives to the industrialised reproduction overseen by men in early 20th-century Nova Scotia. Central to this narrative is the vital network of community care among women, which is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. In contemporary Zurich, diverse birthing spaces exist, yet the institutional focus on the delivery process often overlooks the broader challenges faced by new parents.

The proposed centre at Helvetiaplatz will not only provide social support but also offer medical services from gynaecologists, nurses, and midwives, linking to existing healthcare institutions for continuity of care. To enhance accessibility, a satellite “connector” will be established in the nearby Treff Punkt café, providing informal access to networks and resources that foster safety and privacy while promoting social outreach.

Architecturally, the existing building will expand vertically while preserving its original circulation to facilitate interaction among various programs. Flexible interior spaces will incorporate curtains that reference previous rigid walls, allowing for adaptable communal areas, childcare, and workshops across the first three levels. The upper three levels will transition to more enclosed spaces for gynaecological services and staff offices. A greenhouse for medicinal herbs will occupy the upper extension, and the interplay of old and new materials—wood, tile, terrazzo, and textiles—will create a cohesive dialogue throughout the building. Ultimately, this project seeks to create a welcoming environment that respects existing structures while challenging assumptions surrounding pregnancy and parenthood.

Project by: Ivana Bogdan, Maena Asticher, Pablo Grünig

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

Spring 2024