Home Away from Home: Senior Immigrants’ Culinary Nostalgia

Abstract

A group of senior immigrants in the United States, who left their home countries decades ago and have since established themselves here, often find themselves immersed in nostalgic moments, reliving their childhood memories. The dishes prepared in their homes, deeply rooted in the flavors of their hometowns, create a profound connection to their cultural heritage. Their culinary skills were acquired through hands-on guidance from the older generations within their families, evolving into a cherished tradition. With society aging, the “Home Away from Home” thesis project aims to foster a unique bond among seniors from diverse ethnic backgrounds, nurturing a culinary and conversational community that uses food as a means to both rekindle and preserve the memories of the elderly. Drawing inspiration from architectural influences spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa, including Chinese Hui architecture, Italian villas, and Moroccan riads, the project, located in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood, artfully incorporates the essence of traditional housing experiences into a modern architectural language. The kitchen and the act of cooking serve as practical repositories of cultural memory, capturing the very essence of their heritage through tangible methods. By examining these three examples, the project introduces the concept of weaving together these cultural influences while respecting their unique differences, fostering a gesture that implies broader integration among ethnic groups. The inclusion of a daycare program brings laughter and companionship to seniors while providing the younger generation with a connection to their cultural heritage. This initiative promotes a vibrant and inclusive community, celebrating diversity and tradition.