Halden prison

The main intention and concept for the project rests in the mutual dependency and contrast between “hard and soft”. The “hard” represents the forcible removal of the freedom of an individual, and the “soft” is the aim of rehabilitation. The prison authorities aim to prepare the prisoners for a life outside the walls.

This aim is translated in the main organisation of the prison, where the spread of functions across the site allows the prisoners movements to mimic our everyday transitions between home, work, school, leisure activities etc. The architecture should meet prisoners and staff with an anti-authoritarian face, avoiding symmetries and axial orders. Security is a combination of static and dynamic measures, with static physical barriers and the dynamic presence of prison staff.

Interiors

Materials are selected to change according to light and weather conditions, giving a sense of the passing of time. The interior design, too, emphasises the differences between the various programme areas with the use of materials and colour, which also eases orientation within a large institution.

Furniture and fittings are all of high quality, to ensure durability and low maintenance. All furniture in the cells is specially designed in solid maple and built-in.

Landscape

The landscape design is based on the natural features of the terrain. The north-south ridges have been retained, and the buildings are placed to make use of the existing topography. Nature is important in the daily life of the prison, in a balance with security requirements.

Existing trees have been retained wherever possible, to create outdoor spaces and give vertical emphasis to balance the horizontal stretch of the outer wall. An area of untouched vegetation has been left in the middle of the grounds. Local vegetation has been supplemented, but low brush and undergrowth has been removed to allow the necessary surveillance at ground level. An orchard and kitchen garden has been planted adjacent to the kitchens, and a sports ground installed next to the activity building.