compagnie o architects: holmsheidi

‘holmsheidi’ by compagnie o architects images © compagnie o architects

belgian architects compagnie o have designed ‘holmsheidi’, a women’s prison that aims to introduce the possibility of reintegration of the criminal individual into society’s freedom, by punishing people with architecture. this holmsheidi building proposal uses this quintessential quality of structure by introducing explicitly normal aspects of daily lives in the un-normal functional realm of control and confinement. the jail is conceived as a compact

building due to the layering of floors and the circular floor plan. flexibility in use, space and time are key concepts supporting the economics and sustainability of the proposal: to maximize the organizational flexibility the circular shape works as a turntable, unlocking all cells, avoiding mutual contact.

the scheme proposes 6 divisions of 8 cells. these divisions are assignable as both long-term or short-term. each division has its own spacious living room, kitchen and a personal outdoor space. this is a programmatic surplus on the brief, augmenting both capacity and assignabilty. this proposal can be easily adapted, due to the circular plan, both in design stage and even after completion. all the cells are situated on the first floor, leaving ground floor for communal activities, staff and visitors. the rooftop is conceived as a communal outdoor space in extension to the individualized patio per division. all levels are interconnected with vertical circulation with 2 staircases and 1 lift. situated on opposite halfs, they organize the entire building in a direct way where the architecture would affect people constantly.

on the inside, the prisoners gaze is being liberated form the centripetal force of the panoptical eye in the center. the field of view is free and randomized in all directions 

In the middle of the prison, where the panoptical eye used to be, we propose, an outdoor swimming pool. human control being substituted by floating in confined freedom. 

the rooftop allows the escape from daily routine. on top of the prison, the prisoner is given space and air. the embracing lopapeysa opens up so the body can relate to nature and landscape. fly. 

movement on the first floor is domestic: from cell to living room to kitchen to patio. here the prisoner stays. 

cell unit 

unfolded cel unit 

section over the prison 

ground floor plan = prisoners day routine/check in of new inmates/administration and employee section first floor plan = detention division 

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