Uncharted Waters

Navigating the journey of coming out later in life can be a delicate balance between societal norms and personal authenticity. In many cultures, coming out is neither a common goal nor a static aspect of identity. The film Twilight’s Kiss(Ray Yeung, 2019) portrays this complexity through Pak and Hoi, who maintain secrecy about their sexuality while taking pride in the families they’ve built. Coming out, therefore, is a fluid process, evolving over time and circumstances. Whether or not one chooses to come out, access to spaces that support mental, physical, and sexual health is crucial.

Part of the Parkhaus Pfingstweid project is transformed to reflect the fluidity of coming out. Adapting the hotel typology, common in the area, the building accommodates different needs—from spontaneous short stays to long-term living arrangements. Ambiguity in the rooms is achieved through flexible “joker rooms” that can be connected to others, while open pipe fittings in bathrooms and kitchenettes allow for easy adaptation. The exposed water pipeline along the corridor discreetly serves rooms, ending in a drinking fountain in the winter garden. Communal spaces, like shared kitchens and laundry, occupy the ramp space.

On the roof, a lightweight extension evokes the memory of Tente Rouge, an aphrodisiac boudoir that once occupied the space. The new structure includes the hotel reception, bathing house, massage rooms, and flexible gathering spaces for political and social events. A sunbathing terrace and restaurant offer additional communal areas, while rainwater is collected and used for sustainable services like toilet flushing and laundry. The extension liberates the existing structure, creating a new, inclusive space.

Below the surface, a queer bathing house complements the hotel, providing a space for self-care, rejuvenation, and intimate encounters. Anonymous access is maintained through the public parking decks and a discreet elevator, connecting the bathing house below with the public facilities above, preserving privacy for those who need it.

Master Thesis Spring 2024

Project by: Senga Grossmann

Teaching team: Anna Puigjaner, Dafni Retzepi, Pol Esteve Castelló, He Shen