Layers of HIL

In Switzerland, about five percent of all students are parents. At D-Arch, this represents roughly 80 students—a significant yet largely invisible group.

Compared with other European countries, Switzerland ranks last, as combining studies and childcare remains difficult. The case study Raising Up highlights challenges such as financial pressure, lack of time, stigma, mental health strain, and inadequate infrastructure.

These shortcomings are evident on the ETH Hönggerberg campus. Child-friendly spaces, lactation rooms, diaper-changing facilities, and family-oriented study environments are scarce.

In the HIL building, only one library area is designated for children, and the entire campus has just one official diaper-changing and lactation room.

The Care Core addresses these needs through a child friendly façade ring added to the HIL building, extending from the ground floor to the roof. This layer creates additional space for student parents while remaining accessible to all users

It consists of three elements: Playgrounds in Sight, connected to studios and offices so parents can work while children play being in sight; Self-Study Bubbles, with protected sunken play areas; and Sanitation Rings, containing facilities for changing, feeding, washing, and toileting.

Constructed from laminated timber and felt curtains, the project fosters visibility, care, appropriation and belonging across campus.

Master Thesis Spring 2026

Project by: Romi Bassler Teaching Team: Anna Puigjaner, Pol Esteve Castelló, He Shen 何珅, Ethel Baraona Pohl, Lisa Maillard, Paule Perron, Valentina Noce. In Collaboration with Guillaume Habert and He Yufei (BUK).

Images 1, 9, 11: Luís Úrculo