Prisons have always been located in remote areas far from the city center, with designs often characterized by high walls and tight security. However, the French architectural firm LAN (Local Architecture Network) has broken our perception of prisons by transforming the Nanterre prison located in the northwest of Paris. Both inside and out, the architecture embodies a simple and elegant design, creating a beautiful environment that makes one question if they are truly in a prison setting!
This functional prison used for probation services (SPIP) is located in the city center of Nanterre, specifically designed with a “Minimum Security Area” where convicted criminals are allowed to participate in a unique detention program to learn different skills to cope with reintegrating into society and reduce the chances of reoffending in the future.
Surrounded by single-family homes and industrial buildings, the design intention was to bring the prison closer to the city and reduce the disconnect between the two. Unlike the high walls and fences seen in typical prisons, this building is covered with perforated steel plates, and the entrance to the “minimum security area” on the south side is designed with a large opening that acts as a visual filter. These semi-transparent facades allow natural light to enter the prison, allowing those inside to feel connected to the outside world. Simply based on its stylish appearance, passersby might think it is a museum or library.
In addition, there are basketball and handball courts in the prison area, with floors decorated in bright and colorful colors, completely breaking away from the serious and gloomy prison atmosphere. There is also a green area inside, as well as a vegetable garden managed by the prisoners, allowing them to engage in beneficial physical and mental activities during their free time.
However, based on this design that completely subverts the original principles of punishment and isolation in prisons, the external evaluation of this building is mixed. However, from the aesthetic perspective of architecture alone, this prison that stands prominently in the city center is indeed eye-catching, whether in terms of external design or interior decoration!
Learn more: Local Architecture Network
