Nino Chen
Vernacular Holding Field
Somewhere Around Ordinary
Bread Cures All
DAGMO
Diverge
Mixed-Use-Houston
History-Urbanism Hub
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Maison de Santé for Reciprocal Care
Care is inherently reciprocal, challenging the prevailing notion of it being a one-sided transaction with distinct roles of caregiver and receiver. Instead, care is a dynamic interaction, where giving care yields another dimension of care, fostering societal trust and a commitment to inclusivity. In the narrative of “Bread Cures All,” the act of caring through baking serves as a catalyst, empowering neurodivergent individuals to attain both financial and mental independence. The knowledge transfer in this process produces bread, a vehicle for nourishing the community. Importantly, the recipient of the initial care reciprocates by contributing care back to society. Beyond its socio-economic impact, the architectural aspect of bread-making generates residual heat, offering an additional form of care integral to our daily lives.
The building’s design features a distinctive arrangement of programmatic stripes interspersed with voids, forming what we term a “functional core.” This core serves as both the mechanical and structural nucleus of the building, while also defining its formal organization. These cores incorporate mechanical shafts, providing passive heating and ventilation solutions to the interior spaces. Far from being mere conduits, these shafts function as secondary structures, enabling the addition of extra floors. Guided by the existing column grids, we strategically positioned these functional cores, which double as kitchen tabletops, shaping the project’s formal language. Our project explores the potential of these cores and leverages the inherent structural qualities of the building to address programmatic, structural, and thermal challenges. Through this approach, the project aims to offer a holistic and caring solution that resonates with and benefits the local community.
Collaborator: Dana Kim