Villa Kassian(e)

Elderly people who rely on care are often supported by the ones close to them, in various forms of kinships. However, this care arrangement can sometimes become exploitative, straining relationships and transforming into unpaid labor. When care demands exceed those in extended biological and chosen family and kinships’ capacity, an alternative like nursing homes become necessary. These facilities, however, often face issues like underpaid workers, staff shortages, and poor working conditions, leading to rushed and impersonal care and resulting in a “care crisis”.

The film Gerontophilia highlights the transition from professional to affection-based care through the relationship between Lake, a young caregiver, and Mr. Peabody, a nursing home resident. Their bond evolves from caregiver duties to mutual affection, offering each other companionship and emotional support. However, institutional settings stifle their relationship, forcing them to leave in search of a space where their connection can flourish. This mirrors the broader reality of many queer individuals who lack safe spaces to express non-heteronormative affections openly, particularly in later life.

Villa Kassandra, Switzerland's first residential and educational center for women, established in the 1980s, provided such a space. It combined institutional care with opportunities for learning and community exchange, fostering independence from patriarchal structures. Drawing inspiration from this legacy, Villa Kassian(e) reimagines care through a hybrid model of professional and affection-based support, integrating a residential queer elder care facility with the educational and cultural programs of the Zentralwäscherei (ZW).

The transformation of the Pfingstweidgarage embodies this vision. Public spaces on the ground floor, including restaurants, theaters, and meeting rooms, anchor the building in the community. Residential floors offer flexible layouts with translucent partitions, shared lodges, and kitchens for small groups, balancing privacy and sociability. Atriums flood spaces with natural light, while rooftop gardens and workshop rooms foster learning and recreation. Integrated care facilities ensure accessible professional support, enabling Villa Kassian(e) to merge intergenerational exchange, community engagement, and inclusive care into one cohesive architectural intervention.

Master Thesis Spring 2024

Project by: Ivana Luggen

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