Viva La Seahorse

The documentary Seahorse: The Dad Who Gave Birth (2019) follows Alfred McConnell, a 29-year-old trans man navigating the complexities of pregnancy and parenthood. His journey reveals the challenges he faces, including gender dysphoria, discrimination, and inadequate support systems. As he grapples with his changing body, he increasingly relies on his mother, underscoring the need for inclusive spaces that address the unique needs of trans individuals during reproductive phases.

In Zurich's Langstrasse neighbourhood, few spaces are designed with inclusivity for trans people in mind. While facilities like Regenbogenhaus at Zollhaus provide various care services, and Checkpoint Zurich offers STI testing and psychological support for the LGBTQIA+ community, there is a notable absence of spaces focused on peer exchange during reproductive journeys. Additionally, Swiss reproductive rights laws complicate matters; individuals who are not married or in registered partnerships cannot receive sperm donations, effectively excluding single prospective parents from reproductive options.

To address these gaps, we propose a dedicated space that connects individuals wishing to reproduce—biologically or through adoption—who currently fall through the cracks of the Swiss reproductive system. This sheltered environment will facilitate meetings, exchanges, and connections, offering resources for finding sperm donors, potential co-parents, and legal and medical support. Nestled within a courtyard next to Helvetiaplatz, the facility provides a semi-secluded safe space away from the bustling city streets, preserving most of the existing structure while introducing a new translucent addition.

The facility features a café designed for fostering connections and sharing experiences regarding reproductive needs among peers. In the library, knowledge exchange continues through literature and informative pamphlets, creating a quieter area for private conversations. Layered curtains and shelves offer varied degrees of visibility and intimacy, transitioning from the lively café to the quieter relaxation area, culminating in the discreet underground facility for inseminations and sperm donations.

Project by: Ayse Kunduru, Kimon Tsataronis, Marina Sakellaridis

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

Spring 2024