Neither Forgetfulness nor Forgiveness

Clara Alsedà and Helena Rodríguez Soteras, Undergraduate, ETSAV 2017-18

Tutors: Pere Buil, Santi Soto and Enric Granell

The following text comprises extracts from the student commentary.

…The design of the prison follows the rationalist style and the typology invented in the 18th century by the english philosopher and sociologist Jeremy Bentham, with the core principle of monitoring the maximum number of prisoners with the minimum number of guards. In this case six galleries are organized around the panopticon- derived from the greek word panoptes “all seeing”- as the center of the prison, the eye. An expression of power and symbol of surveillance…

…The first principle in this transformation is the search of program and circulation freedom, within a very rigid and restrictive masonry structure; not only for the present but also allowing all the possible changes that may occur in the future. The main constructive strategy consists in the opening of passages at the ends of the partition walls between the old cells, as the facades are the ones supporting the main loads of the upper levels and the roof. This makes every floor of the prison totally permeable within itself…

…On the facades that directly overlook the city a self-supporting structure is installed. It mimics the modulation of the existing facade - the gallery- acting both as a privacy screen and affording improved thermal regulation. This new structure offers some extra square meters and also a space to accommodate new services. On the facades that overlook the old entrance way of the prison the naked facades are maintained as they were originally, allowing the visitors to experience the same view as the old prisoners of La Model…

…The second principle in this intervention is changing the psychological character of the building. Transforming the panopticon from a center of control and psychological violence to a central point of a building open to the neighbourhood and filled with programs willing to reinforce the community.

The public space, really needed in this neighbourhood as the urban analysis demonstrated, is structured to accompany the transition from metropolis to neighbourhood that occurs in the two blocks of the prison precincts…

…Old materials can co-exist with new activities. The old patina and the multiple scars can co-exist with modern ideologies. The ghosts of the past will certainly be better accompanied with the laugher of the new inhabitants, who will be able to read an old structure, built for isolation and control, while walking and freely taking their next step.