St. Louis Institute of Correction and Rehabilitation

Spring 2020 - Instructed by Sergio Sanabria

Constitutional Assembly Studio

Site Selection / Urban Facility

The American Constitution in its past and current existence promotes the punishment of the convicted. In 1829, punishment as a means of conflict resolution was institutionalized in the first federal prison in Pennsylvania, which pioneered solitary confinement. Slavery was, in fact, continued by way of convict leasing, despite its supposed legal abolishment in 1865. These ideas permeate our prison system today and fail to assume an inmate's life beyond bars. In the 1930s, America had just over 13,000 inmates. We can consequently contribute to the later deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill and the War On Drugs campaign to today's prison population of over 2.3 million. In direct opposition to the outdated practices of the past, this institution seeks to reform convicted individuals by providing inmates with tools to succeed. This facility works with the criminal justice system to ensure every inmate exercises their rights to the fullest extent. While this environment promotes the humane treatment of inmates and lays the groundwork for a fulfilling life post-incarceration, major changes must be implemented in America today to make designs like these a reality.

In Collaboration with Richelle Boyd, Kamryn Iams, and Claire LaFrance

While this project was collaborative, all documents and images are my own unless otherwise noted.

The St. Louis Institute of Correction and Rehabilitation replaces the AT&T Tower that sits vacant in theheart of the city. This new facility utilizes its proximity to key landmarks to engage the public sphere,and therefore destigmatize prejudice against the incarcerated.

This program serves to reform and redirect potential harmful behavior rather than suppress such behaviors until release. Zones are configured so all inmates have access to beneficial services such as mental heath care, a variety of activities, and occupational support. Additionally, reform housing and programs are present, giving inmates the opportunity to interact directly with the public. By providing these tools, transition from incarceration to freedom will be smoother and lead to a lower rate of recidivism.

Inmate Intake Sequence

Holding cells lead to a series of small private rooms for a strip search. Inmates are then led to rooms where they await documentation. After documentation, they are led to private rooms for a mandatory psychiatric and physical evaluation. This evaluation ensures their safety during their time at the facility. After receiving their items from the distribution center, inmates are led to the stairs or elevator to their cells.

Visitor Intake Sequence

Visitors and the public at large are encoraged to interact with the building through the sculpture garden that serves as an extention to the St. Louis City Garden. If visiting an inmate, patrons pass the front entry, greeted by a secure reception desk. Once admitted to the next room, visitors wait to pass through a multi-step security system where they are frisked. An officer then escorts the patron to their assigned visitation room.

Level showcasing the reform program, general population cells, and the medical ward

General Population Cell

Image courtesy of Claire LaFrance

Level showcasing the exercise facility, general population cells, and the psychiatric ward

Psychatric Ward Common Room

Image courtesy of Claire LaFrance