The purpose of this thesis is the design of a new pavilion of sociality inside Verziano’s penitentiary (Brescia, Italy). A space capable of hosting the daily activities of prisoners related to consumption and collective meal preparation, also allowing to accommodate specific events such as training courses, workshops and gastronomic dinners.

The entire research work deals with the issue of social spaces related to food in prisons. The reason for this choice is motivated by the fact that food is seen as a strong socialization factor, both inside and outside prison. In a detention environment, where decisional power of inmates subject is suspended, the food becomes an opportunity to personally manage their own needs.

The project not only defines a new inner space, but also intends to work on green areas of the structure: the concrete perimeter wall, main physical and visual limit, circumscribes a new outdoor path that connects horticulture area, the sports and the affection areas.

The architectural reasons that led me to deal with this issue, concern the afflictive spaces of imprisonment, which in some cases do not ensure respect for human dignity. The lack of places for socializing, for the sport and for the affection with their families, increasing the gap between the inmates and the outside community.

Is necessary to work on the detention spaces, ensuring living conditions conforming to human rights.

I believe that architecture can provide a form to this need: an architecture that, although recluse within a detention space, is able to open up and to communicate with the external society!