A Botanical Exchange: Reinventing Prison Architecture for Rehabilitation

Cybercrime has no physical boundaries, and its perpetrators often lack a tangible sense of place and identity. "A Botanical Exchange" is a rehabilitative prison that reconnects individuals with their surroundings, fostering self-awareness and community integration through agriculture, gardening, and craftsmanship.

Massing Strategy

The architectural design is inspired by strip barns and agricultural greenhouses, prioritizing programmatic autonomy reminiscent of a university campus. Informal discussion spaces create essential connections between different areas, promoting education through structured exchange. Residential units are positioned strategically for optimal interaction and privacy. Unlike conventional prison layouts, the ground floor embraces a fluid landscape, encouraging communal engagement between distinct program areas.

Security Strategy

Security in "A Botanical Exchange" is reimagined through social bonds and environmental integration. A half-wall with a traditional Dutch dike ensures containment without a fortress-like appearance, blending into the landscape. Guards are assigned to small groups of inmates, fostering mutual trust and structured interactions. Dedicated security barns house necessary surveillance and administrative functions while maintaining the campus-like atmosphere.

Sectional Strategy

Each barn features suspended pods, acting as vantage points for programmatic activities. These pods encourage both observation and participation, enhancing engagement. A suspended forum serves as a communal bridge, facilitating knowledge exchange across different areas.

Project by: Cian Hrabi, Madeline Kim, and Ardy Chang

Winner Entry of: Switching Prisons