Multigenerational Home for 3 Generations of Women
Location San Antonio, TX
Year 2020
Building Type Residential
The Multigenerational Home's is laid out to create spaces to empower and strengthen family unity through feminist principles, flexible spaces, reading spaces, and meandering pathways.
The home has been designed following the Vatsu Shastra design principles - an Indian design method to live in harmony with the energy of the universe, along with some passive design strategies, such as having several windows for natural daylighting and for natural ventilation of the interior spaces. All of these design elements have been incorporated for the clients, composed of three generations of women: a mother, a daughter and a grandmother. Taking this into account, the circulation areas have ample space for ease of movement for either walking or for wheelchair maneuvering to create an inclusive and comfortable home for every member of the family.
The pathways on the outside create a transitional circulation throughout a multisensory garden, where the users can experience and enhance their senses as they please. This was done by choosing specific vegetation that would create an interactive environment with nature. There are several spaces for sitting, relaxing and reading that the clients could take advantage of every day.
What is my definition of feminism?
Feminism is about respecting women’s choices and values by finding ways to empower them by celebrating equality as well as our differences that make each of us unique.
Feminism is about respecting women’s choices and values by finding ways to empower them by celebrating equality as well as our differences that make each of us unique.
How are feminism principles achieved in the project?
- Through the creation of cozy and flexible spaces to strengthen family unity
- Through open spaces with outdoor views for a sense of freedom and lightness through the home
- By focusing on the importance of individuality and accessibility for a desirable experience for every member of the family
- By the creation of spaces that empower the family as women by showcasing their love for their career, books and hobbies
- Through the creation of cozy and flexible spaces to strengthen family unity
- Through open spaces with outdoor views for a sense of freedom and lightness through the home
- By focusing on the importance of individuality and accessibility for a desirable experience for every member of the family
- By the creation of spaces that empower the family as women by showcasing their love for their career, books and hobbies
The numbers (1, 2 & 3) on the Site Plan and Section A indicate the different areas on the Multisensory Gardens. Each garden focuses on a different sense through the use of specific vegetation, selected depending on what sense is being enhanced, listed below:
