beyond bars
thesis project:
transitional housing for former prisoners
A transitional housing facility designed to support former prisoners as they reintegrate back into society. More than just a place to stay, it addresses the challenges of regaining independence and rebuilding relationships. A central staircase symbolises the journey from incarceration to becoming a contributing member of society.
Beyond Bars provides a supportive environment where individuals can gain new skills and rebuild their lives. Its broader mission is to reduce recidivism and contribute to lowering crime rates in Catalonia and beyond, offering a model of how thoughtful design can support meaningful social change.
A central staircase is the core of the concept.
valldaura labs
The proposed transitional housing project at Valldaura Labs addresses a significant gap in the Spanish prison system and provides a structured support for former inmates. The projects aims to facilitate reintegration by supporting independence, social interaction and personal growth as well as offering a space to learn how to take care of yourself and develop new personal and vocational skills.
Valldaura Labs is a self-sufficient building, meaning the residents will have to cooperate and work together in order to keep the building alive. The natural surroundings and sustainable framework creates and ideal atmosphere for rehabilitation that promotes emotional stability at the same time as practical skill development.
Transition: mentally
Transition: privacy
Transition: physically
transition
Transition is implemented in this project through the
spatial strategy of the space. Not only is the core
element of the space a large, curved staircase that takes
you to the upper levels of the building, but the different
areas are divided by steps instead of walls.
Levels of privacy.
100
0
Areas are divided by different levels instead of walls and doors, creating panoramic views and open spaces.
spatial strategy
Transitioning between different areas of the building
means moving up and down between levels instead of opening and closing doors, allowing residents to not only have a view of the different areas from any corner of the space but also feel encouraged to interact with each other. By allowing people to see each other while engaging in different activities, the residents will feel encouraged to participate and engage with their peers.
Spaces designed for privacy and introspection while being surrounded by other people.
independent areas
Fully private bedrooms promoting a sense of control over your own space.
bedrooms
An open kitchen area promoting cooperation and social interaction.
kitchen & dining
Living spaces promoting casual interactions and leisure time together.
social areas
A space for vocational training, developing new practical skills and working on personal or cooperative projects.
workshop
Semi private areas for developing skills.
study areas
Transitional spaces
Areas
View of the entrance. You enter onto a step, meaning you are immediately a part of the transitioning happening within the building.
floor 0
level of privacy: 0%
View from the entrance.
Meeting and study room.
floor 1
level of privacy: 50%
Kitchen and dining area, connected to the outside garden on the left.
Semi private living rooms, promoting natural social interaction.
rehabilitation: promoting social interaction
Promoting natural social interaction between former prisoners is essential for supporting reintegration. The building is designed to encourage connection through open spaces and carefully placed seating areas that invite spontaneous conversation without forcing it.
Entrance to second floor from staircase.
floor 2
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level of privacy: 100%
Private bedrooms designed to be easily personalised, as residents are not meant to stay forever.
transition through materials
Locally sourced materials enhance the connection to the
natural surroundings, grounding residents in a sense of
place. In order to keep the personality of the existing building I chose to work with materials that are already found on site.
The material selection should reinforce the sense of transitioning from a public area to more private areas as you make your way up to the top level. To achieve this, the finish and textures goes from rough and texturised at the first floor, and as you transition up through the areas more and more refined materials and textiles will be introduced, creating a warmer and more welcoming atmosphere.
Light and shadows are used to create privacy where needed.
light as a tool for privacy
Artificial light sources are designed to follow the rhythm of the curves and lines in the different areas and can be found under the step of each elevated level, enhancing and giving importance to the keyword transition in a symbolic way.
Creating shadow where privacy and intimacy is needed is equally important as bringing light to the space. As the areas are divided with the help of level changes instead of walls, creating shadows in different areas promote a sense of intimacy.
- it is necessary
reintegration is not just possible
conclusion
Beyond Bars aims to support the reintegration of former prisoners upon their release from prison. By giving them a space to practice independence, social interaction and craftmanship skills, the ultimate goal is to prepare them for the outside world while preventing them from falling back into criminal behaviour - and ultimately lower the crime rates in Spain and the rest of the world.