Allowing for Urban Eremitism in a Ducpetiaux PrisonMaster Dissertation 2023

Life in prison is very intriguing: the state punishes but at the same time takes care of people who have made a mistake in the past. This tension causes limits to be pushed. How big should the cells be? What comfort facilities are there?

The paper asked what qualities a prison building can have. For this purpose, specific research was conducted on the Saint-Gilles prison. To fully understand this place, historical research was first conducted on its origins.

Further, the qualities found are then examined through case studies, some of which were discussed.

As a synthesis of the research, a design is proposed that intervenes on the Saint-Gilles prison. It attempts to capitalise on the previously found qualities. Specifically, it seeks a design that facilitates eremitism in the prison.

The cell is ultimately the heart of existence for the hermit. Entry is through a sliding door that takes you into a space that acts as a transition zone. There is a first closet that provides space for seasonal clothes, coats and shoes. There is also space and a connection for a possible washer-dryer unit. On the other side is the bathroom. With a squat toilet, directly inspired by Absalon’s cells. The double system squat toilet-shower creates a compact space that, together with a small sink, provides for the cell dweller’s hygienic existence. The space is also separated by a door to avoid odours.

When one then walks into the effective cell, one finds oneself between the two racks. These racks were inspired by the existence of the hikikomori. By studying the rooms they live in, one can see that they often also have a huge amount of stuff. Somehow this makes sense: they live in one room but need the same stuff as another person who would live in a flat or a house. The shelves provide for a possible dishwasher to be placed there, it also incorporates a desk and a seat. The cell assumes the identity of the user by exposing their belongings. There are no limits as the user lives here strictly alone.

The usage of a sash-style window provides the dweller with a built-in balcony-like experience where the lowest window works as a parapet.