Prisons may not form the focus of architectural discussions but they are exemplary from many perspectives: on the one hand, living, working and recreation areas in prisons are always designed like an urban microcosm. On the other hand, they provide a particular narrative on how society deals with fringe groups. The Hohensinn Architektur agency in Graz has already realised several correctional facilities. Opened in mid-2013, Heidering Prison in Berlin is an example in which the architects impressively demonstrate how building culture need not stop at the prison gates.
In view of the high architectural quality of Heidering Prison, Kulturspiegel posed the following provocative question: "Should prisons be this comfortable?" What do you think?
Hohensinn: Heidering Prison is basically an entirely normal prison for a relaxed form of imprisonment which is based on the standard cost and planning specifications for such building projects. Apart from that, it goes without saying that we design these buildings carefully – just like all of our other building projects – so that they avail of plenty of natural daylight as well as manifold links between interior and exterior areas. So I'd like to turn the question around: Should we have planned the prison badly on purpose?
about: One particular feature is the generously-proportioned common rooms with barred but freely-accessible loggias. Were these also part of the planning programme?
Hohensinn: Group accommodation in a relaxed form of imprisonment has been widespread in Europe for many years. The fact that these areas feature extensive glazing and avail of loggias is our structural answer to the question as to how a relatively "normal" life can be lived even when imprisoned. In Heidering Prison, detainees can easily go outside to relax or have a smoke during the day or at certain specified times. These are things which are taken for granted by each of us. A semblance of normality is also intended by the fence surrounding the site instead of a forbidding perimeter wall. Heidering is nestled in the middle of open heath land. Although the thick chain link fence still forms a rather stark filter, it manages to convey a certain feeling of openness thanks to the tangible country landscape. Not to mention the fact that the fence was less expensive than a wall.
about: Does this "normality" intend to specifically support prisoner re-socialisation?
Hohensinn: That was exactly our goal – although it is important to remember that some prisoners need to be socialised first. And this proves most successful when they encounter a humane approach. If they are damaged even further by their living conditions in prison, it will be all the more difficult to flip the switch the day they are released. Not to mention the fact that prison warders also often spend 30 to 40 years of their lives in these places. A prison we designed around ten years ago in Leoben and based on similar principles has shown that rooms with a high degree of social viability can in fact contribute towards reducing aggression and tension.
about: What planning strategies would you recommend to architects when building prisons?
Hohensinn: Great care must always be applied where buildings are intended for people. The particular features of prisons include the fact that they have almost all types of buildings which also exist "outside" in the city: schools, offices, living areas, workshops, hospitals, sports facilities. For this reason, urban considerations played a major role from the very beginning in planning Heidering Prison. We wanted to make it possible to consciously experience the daily routes covered between the individual areas and buildings. With the result that we did not build any underground corridors which may be very secure but are also very monotonous, opting instead for an extensively glazed "prison magistrale" offering an interesting sequence of interior and exterior areas in the form of the cross-shaped buildings with courtyard and green areas in between. The temperature in this magistrale is not regulated enabling the seasons to be experienced at all times – it's cold in winter and hot in summer. I am certain that these subtle qualities are at least subconsciously perceived by the people there.
