DESA1002 'Continuous City' Michael Buddee

Abstract

I chose to design a Juvenile Detention Centre because in a city like Jerusalem that is so unstable and constantly filled with conflict a lot of this tension is bound to effect the youth. This may lead to uncharacteristically violent and anti-social behavior from the children. Therefore there needs to be a centre set up that can deal with these kids that have lost their way. This Juvenile Detention centre has been designed with a focus on rehabilitation rather than oppression and punishment. The centre has been designed to get de-railed youth back on track rather than continually punishing them, which can lead to them being embedded in a continuing cycle of criminal activity. The main goal of the centre is for the prisoners to leave the centre as mature young men who have the skills and capabilities necessary to contribute to the community. With large spaces and high light penetration the prison takes advantage of its hilltop position, opening its façade to an expansive view of Jerusalem allowing the prisoners to feel a degree of freedom whilst in confinement. This further emphasizes the philosophy of the centre focused on rehabilitation. Constructive activities are encouraged with plenty of space dedicated to productive outlets such as the wood workshop, rooftop garden, classrooms and gym area which is also on the rooftop. The façade works its way from closed confined spaces at one end to very open spaces at the other which is a metaphor for the inmates journey to once again be able to contribute to the community.