in.fra.stru.cture
dual future of prisons
honorable mention in the Warming Competition
GSAPP Spring 2020 : Design for Obsolescence Studio
Instructor: Phu Hoang
Team: Luis Miguel Pizano
Tools and Fabrication: Rhinoceros, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effect, Prusa 3D Print, laser cutting
Project Description
Our project proposes a new methodology for the climatic study of prisons, called “Thermal Density,” based on ASHRAE variables of radiant temperature, air temperature, and humidity. In the floor plans, the darker the area, the less climatic adaptive it is. We concluded that the current prison infrastructure will fail to adapt to climatic changes in the future.
Conceptual progress models
Parti diagram of near future scheme
Parti diagram of distant future scheme
Our project sources climate-resilient, native tree species to enhance sensorial engagement, protect against heat gain, wind and noise, and regulate climate conditions. The dripline of these trees delineates the architecture, and their maturity defines the project phases. We recognize that the restorative justice model allows environmentally just facilities to prosper. Extensive research suggests that the shift from retribution to restoration will result in a better prison microclimate, lowering the incidence of violence, heat-related illness, and recidivism. We believe that focusing on voluntary rehabilitation (phase 4) makes moral, operational, and economic sense.
We recognize that the restorative justice model allows environmentally just facilities to prosper. Extensive research suggests that the shift from retribution to restoration will result in a better prison microclimate, lowering the incidence of violence, heat-related illness, and recidivism. We believe that focusing on voluntary rehabilitation makes moral, operational, and economic sense. The restorative justice model proposes a framework for conference-based rehabilitation. All parties involved can work through the offense in a collective circle that also invites the community.
The architecture of phase 2 is constructed to fracture alongside building functions that will become obsolete. For example, the panopticon-like security room, which prioritizes visibility of users to the security officers, transforms into a tree-shaded community courtyard, while the broken fragments that anchor individual kitchenettes are repurposed into a shared kitchen.
The voluntary rehabilitation facility consists of an aggregation of restorative justice blocks - a courtyard-based system that fosters community, accountability, and trust. This block's three essential parts are the restorative justice center, residential unit, and connective wellness core, producing a continuous loop.
The water system is built into the residential block assembly through the addition of prefab awnings with integrated gutters that collect and drain water to feed the underground cistern and irrigate the nursery.
The tree nursery and substation network are the raw materials for the cross-laminated timber business. Its cyclical harvesting produces better climate regulation and sustainable construction materials, as well as learning and work opportunities. The harvesting and development rights of the corridor land are managed by a proposed public-private partnership between the Rehabilitation Network, CLT business, and a future High-Voltage Community Land Trust, ensuring democratic stewardship of (as-of-right) land use. In contrast to the conventional, extractive prison labor model, work opportunities - offered by the partnership to facility users and the community at large - are designed to be inclusive and career-oriented, with hourly salaries above minimum wage and prospects for professional certification.
Site 5 - Use, Maintenance and Weathering: The project focused on the substation closest to urban Newburgh, which offers direct engagement with the community. Aside from being the source material for the rehabilitation and business networks, the trees define the threshold between facility and community. There is a range of security strategies along the site perimeter, from tightly monitored to porous. We have tailored the form to its security needs through the manipulation of trees and landscape. As the facility transitions, the security softens from slat-based fences to berm formations that assist the stormwater retention system.
Wellness core and security rammed earth berm
Residential units and wellness core
The video reassesses the thermal density methodology of different climate scenarios in key thresholds of our building design from restorative spaces to vertical wellness core, residential units, and in-betweens.
Main access to the facility and restorative justice center