In a time when teenage pregnancy has been declared a national emergency in the Philippines, and social discourse is increasingly divided, one architecture student is using design to make a clear, compassionate stand—for life, for dignity, and for hope.
For Nicole Constantino, her thesis, “A Crisis Pregnancy and Maternal Care Center,” is more than an academic requirement—it is a mission grounded in faith, truth, and social responsibility.
“As a Christian, I’ve come to believe that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made, no matter the circumstances of their birth,” she shares. “Teenage mothers often carry shame, fear, and trauma—but what if we could give them a space that speaks not only of healing, but of worth?”
More Than Shelter: A Space of Redemption and Renewal
Nicole’s design offers more than physical refuge—it provides a life-affirming alternative for young women caught in the uncertainty of crisis pregnancy. Rooted in her belief that abortion is non-negotiable, her project seeks to create not just a building, but a safe and empowering environment that honors both the mother and the unborn.
Drawing from Aesthetic Fragility Theory (Garzon & Panzza, 2023), Nicole weaves together political, ethical, and architectural consciousness. Her facility recognizes the deep emotional and psychological dimensions of teenage pregnancy, especially when layered with trauma, abuse, and abandonment.
“Architecture must not only respond—it must resonate,” she says. “Spaces must affirm dignity, allow for privacy, and offer a real sense of place for healing to happen.”
Designed with Sensitivity, Built with Purpose
The center’s design balances privacy and community, offering a blend of personal care spaces, supportive courtyards, counseling zones, and communal workshops. Local materials such as wood-framed roofing and concrete are combined in subtle nods to Filipino vernacular architecture—grounding the space in familiarity and cultural integrity.
Clerestory windows bring light to recovery rooms. Double roof systems keep the temperature cool and stable. Soft pink tones—scientifically associated with tranquilizing effects—gently influence the mood of spaces intended for rest and reflection.
Nicole describes this design not just as trauma-informed, but life-affirming, offering its young residents a place to pause, to be seen, and to rebuild.
Toward a Culture of Compassion and Data-Driven Care
Beyond design, Nicole’s thesis carries a larger advocacy: the recognition of adolescent maternal care as a public health and social welfare priority.
Currently, there is no integrated system that tracks crisis pregnancies linked to abuse, making it difficult to address patterns and policy gaps. Her proposed center would offer a crucial site for both service and data-gathering, contributing to better-informed programs and policy frameworks.
And the impact, she hopes, will be long-term.
“This isn’t just about saving babies—it’s about equipping mothers,” Nicole explains. “Through livelihood training and counseling, I hope the center helps break cycles of poverty, empowers girls to stand on their own, and contributes to a more compassionate and prepared society.”
A Testament in Concrete and Care
In a world where architecture is often associated with spectacle, Nicole Constantino offers something quieter—but far more powerful. A place where the broken are not discarded, but welcomed. Where crisis is not met with condemnation, but with truth, grace, and guidance.
Her center is a testament to design that listens, that ministers, and that leaves a legacy of hope—brick by brick, life by life.
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