_landscape’s landmark_

The form of the building is inspired by the territorial geomorphology.

In the landscape, we recognize visual landmark modelled over time through the action of atmospheric agent. Rain, wind, the alternation of seasons modify the mountains’ shape and allow the sedimentation of debris on the slopes. The architectural form born following this principle of erosion and sedimentation. The building presents itself as a compact block with inside cavity articulated with patios. This form is perfect to organize the functional program within the building: the broad and solid base contain administrative services and community area for the prisoners, while the trunk includes areas for detention. The shape of the cells, hexagonal, defines inside, and also outside, the building. The outer casing is the summation of the hexagonal bearing mesh and the closure panels with four different degrees of shielding, more or less transparent depending on the functions of the interior space. It was chosen a coloring medium clear that reflect the colors of the desert through a pixelated skin. (compare [overview] image) To protect from high temperatures and sunlight, the courtyard, although it is an outdoor area, is mostly shady by the upper volume that contains the cells. On the contrary, the inside patios were created with grids more permeable, the aim is the project of a screen that introducing as much light as possible in the environments for benefit to the perception of the space that seems like an external space and not a detention area. (compare [view of the interior patio])

_architecture as a metaphor for society_

Starting form is the hexagonal cell’s module, it was possible to size the entire structure. For this reason, the prison is made up of many small parts connected to each other that together contribute to give organic unit to the building. This aspect represent metaphorically the society where every individual, represented by small hexagonal element, conduct its part in harmony with others to contribute to the wellness of society and thus to his personal satisfaction.

_architecture as educational strategy_

The prison contains many spaces that permit the development of prisoners’ latent capabilities (intellectual and manual). There are also lessons for detainees that want learn a profession which allows them to more easily obtain a new life outside of prison. The passing of the day is marked by various activities, the prisoners spend hours in community rather than isolated in the cell. The individual is not reduced to physically and psychologically to the space of the cell, but to a larger one. In this way he doesn’t sum mental confinement at physical stillness due to detention. This produces a positive psychological state and increases the chances of a proper reintegration into society.

The areas of the cells and the base, where the laboratories and community areas are located, are formally very different. (compare [view of the patio] and [view of the prison’s cells]) The purpose is to shake the desire to take part in the active life of the prison with the other inmates in the common areas where the control areas are located in elevated zones and therefore less visible, this spatial solution gives the idea of greater freedom.

_cells_

The cell of twenty square meters consists of three functional micro-zones: the area occupied by beds, where we find a small wardrobe and bookcase for contain personal effects, a rear zone includes on one side the toilet and sink, on the other side the desk. The cell is constituted by a prefabricated module of prismatic shape in which there are already placed furniture and plant.