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Holmsheidi Prison
Holmsheidi Prison
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Other Projects by ARKÍS Arkitektar
Holmsheidi Prison
Firm
Type
56 cell custodial-, short sentence-, and women’s prison in Reykjavik, Iceland.
First prize in competitionThe design of the prison is based on three key elements. First, is a main guard station as a central cylindrical form washed by daylight from a surrounding skylight. The skylight and guard station rise up from the building as a smooth cone, contrasting the buildings sharp edges. The second set of elements is internal courtyards forming the heart of each cellblock. The courtyards let daylight into the cellblocks, allowing the possibility to spend time outdoors and in some cases; prisoners enjoy views into the courtyards. The third set of key elements is a protrusion from each individual cell. The protrusions serve the dual purpose of granting each prisoner view and daylight, while limiting the cone of vision so that it is not possible to see from one cell to another. The protrusions are simultaneously an expression of the prisoner’s will to live again outside the prison walls and the enclosure keeping the prisoner inside.
The proposal is intended to deliver quality architecture in line with the competition brief’s goals for architectural qualities, and that form and materials fit well to the site and its natural surroundings. Moreover, the design is focused on creating an environment which grants the prisoners the possibility of betterment.
Inside the prison those goals are met by creating clear and well defined boundaries for each division of the operation, with well daylit and accommodating interior and exterior spaces, good possibilities for connections to common services and with a centrally located main guard station which shortens communication routes and increases oversight.
On the exterior, placement of the building and material palette are tuned to blend with the earth tones of the Holmsheidi landscape.
First prize in competitionThe design of the prison is based on three key elements. First, is a main guard station as a central cylindrical form washed by daylight from a surrounding skylight. The skylight and guard station rise up from the building as a smooth cone, contrasting the buildings sharp edges. The second set of elements is internal courtyards forming the heart of each cellblock. The courtyards let daylight into the cellblocks, allowing the possibility to spend time outdoors and in some cases; prisoners enjoy views into the courtyards. The third set of key elements is a protrusion from each individual cell. The protrusions serve the dual purpose of granting each prisoner view and daylight, while limiting the cone of vision so that it is not possible to see from one cell to another. The protrusions are simultaneously an expression of the prisoner’s will to live again outside the prison walls and the enclosure keeping the prisoner inside.
The proposal is intended to deliver quality architecture in line with the competition brief’s goals for architectural qualities, and that form and materials fit well to the site and its natural surroundings. Moreover, the design is focused on creating an environment which grants the prisoners the possibility of betterment.
Inside the prison those goals are met by creating clear and well defined boundaries for each division of the operation, with well daylit and accommodating interior and exterior spaces, good possibilities for connections to common services and with a centrally located main guard station which shortens communication routes and increases oversight.
On the exterior, placement of the building and material palette are tuned to blend with the earth tones of the Holmsheidi landscape.
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