Ich bin eine Waschküche
Waschküchen or collective laundries are a long-standing Swiss tradition and often the only shared space in public housing. ln recent years, as newer and larger apartments include persanal washing machines, laundry - also part of care work - is becoming less visible and a more private activity, reducing the possibility for tenant interaction. With this increasingly individualistic way of living, we miss the opportunity of collective spaces and fail to encourage a sustainable consumption model based on sharing appliances and spaces. Historically dark, uncomfortable and neglected, Waschküchen can become pleasant and welcoming spaces if designed properly. With this exhibition, indiana aims to document exemplary collective laundries in Zurich and to make these fundamental spaces of care more visible. The initiative is part of the collective's ongoing work that explores the potential of Waschküchen to become third spaces for interaction and encounter, beyond their use as laundry rooms.
Text and commissioned by indiana collective, a feminist group exploring the relationship between gender and space