The Context
The prisoner’s journey is an emotional and psychological transformation. The spaces inhabited during this process are designed to mirror the evolving state of mind, fostering introspection and awareness.
Architecture becomes a tools to reflect the prisoner’s internal experiences, guiding them through stages of self-realization: as the prisoners confront these emotions within the space, they are encouraged to process their condition, fostering a deeper understanding of their own feelings and allowing them to eventually face and cope with their own reality.
LEVEL 1
Concept
The incarcerated individual is overwhelmed by a sense of confinement and isolation. The environment reflects these feelings through stark, imposing structures that emphasize the oppressive nature of their situation. The walls serve as formidable barriers, both physically and emotionally, making any sense of freedom seem impossible. The sense of autonomy is stripped away, leaving the individual anxious, vulnerable, and fearful about their personal safety.
Form and Design
The walls in this space are represented as solid, unyielding and massive, almost monolithic in their presence. The architecture is intentionally devoid of complexity, symbolizing the stark limitations on the prisoner’s autonomy.
LEVEL 2
Concept
The individuals begin to come to terms with their situation and starts striving for personal growth and improvement. The oppressive nature of the initial environment begins to shift as the prisoner’s understanding of their condition evolves. The environment, in turn, reflects this transition by becoming less restrictive and more open. In this intermediate stage, the personal growth and increasing consciousness is reflected by the possibility of the prisoner to now climb the stairs, trying to reach a peaceful state of acceptance.
Form and Design
The walls, once solid and imposing, begin to disintegrate, symbolizing the breaking down of barriers, both physical and psychological. The spiral roof turns into stairs linking level 1 and level 3.
LEVEL 3
Concept
The individual is reaching a state of acceptance, the environment mirrors the shift: moving from a rigid, oppressive structure to a much more open, serene, and integrated natural space. Though still inside the island, the space feels connected to nature, fostering a sense of peace and introspection. The person is no longer entirely isolated, but begins to engage with the outside world, experiencing a shift in their perception of confinement.
Form and Design
The structure opens to the natural world, connecting the incarcerated individual with the surrounding green island. Without walls or roofs, the person becomes part of an organic, living environment. Branching elements replace walls, forming arches that symbolize interconnectedness and the individual’s growing awareness of the outside world.
