ACCA competition brief

Architectural Competition Concours d’Architecture

[PACIFIC] New Ocean Platform Prison ///

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October 2012 ///

INTRODUCTION /// The imprisonment of people is probably one of the big taboo within our modern society. A Prison is a place in which people are physically confined and usually deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime. Other terms used are penitentiary, correctional facility, remand centre, detention centre, and jail or goal. In some legal systems some of these terms have distinct meanings.

A criminal suspect who has been charged with or is likely to be charged with criminal offense may be held on remand in prison if he or she is denied or unable to meet conditions of bail, or is unable or unwilling to post bail. A criminal defendant may also be held in prison while awaiting trial or a trial verdict. If found guilty, a defendant will be convicted and may receive a custodial sentence requiring imprisonment.

The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth’s oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.

It covers about 46% of the Earth’s water surface and about one-third of its total surface area, making it larger than all of the Earth’s land area combined. The equator subdivides it into the North Pacific Ocean and South Pacific Ocean.

Oil Platforms are mainly built on or anchored directly onto the seabed or both, supporting a deck with space for drilling rigs, production facilities and crew quarters. Such platforms are, by virtue of their immobility, designed for very long-term use. Fixed platforms are economically feasible for installation in water depths up to about 520 m.

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ABOUT THE COMPETITION /// The aim of this International Competition is to design a New Prison afloat the Pacific Ocean, using an oil Platform as a reference structure. The design of this new Platform will include all the facilities a prison may need including cells, exercise yard, etc.. with a design that still facilitates human rights within the deemed confinement. The architecture of this new building should reflect contemporary design tendencies, standing out for its uniqueness as a prison.

This competition hopes to achieve the following: _To investgate new direction and functionality of incarceration including methods of confinement. _To generate the discussion of ideas regarding the ambiguous role of architecture in relation to the punishment of imprisonment. _Research, respond to and highlight the unique aspects of designing a highly functional piece of architecture with an economic and safety advantages for all. _Encourage and reward design excellence on a large scale, which integrates function, structure, details, etc within an Ocean environment. _Encourage the employment of sustainable design in all aspects of the proposal.

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COMPETITION STRUCTURE ///

SITE SELECTION ///

This is a single stage Competition with the aim of identifying the most appropriate proposal, which best satisfies the general and specific objective of the contest.

The new proposed Prison will be located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 20 to 30 km from an Asian, Australian or American coast. Participants may include access facility for boats and helicopters to aid the supply of food, medical assistance, visitors, etc in the proposed design at their own discretion.

The main Platform(s) should be fixed with concrete or steel supports/columns. Floating platform(s) can be an extension of the fixed main Platform(s) and used for services, administration, garden, etc..

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PROGRAM AND SPACE USED ///

Prison Cell: 72 prison cells measuring 7.5m2 with each including a bed and a private toilet. All cells should have a locked window. (See drawing below).

The following spaces should be included in the design program: Entrance Hall: A 40m2 space including a reception office and a security point. The main entrance is connected to the helicopter landing area for prisoner / visitor reception.

Detention Room: 20 spaces measuring 6m2 each to separate unruly, dangerous, or vulnerable prisoners from the general prison population. These should include a detention lobby suite. This may also be referred to as segregation unit or isolation cell. Each room should have a locked window. (See drawing below).

Administration: A 100 m2 space destined for offices (1 office for the Director, 1 office for the Chef archive room and a meeting room). Restroom facilities for the offices 10 m2 which includes: _Single occupancy washroom for the director. _Single occupancy washroom for the staff.

Safe Cell: 2 x 7.5m2 spaces located near a Supervisor’s room to be used in housing prisoners under constant visual observation, for example when considered at risk of suicide.

Shower Room: 4 x 30m2 space for communal showers including 4 hand basins and a changing area with fixed benched.

Supervisor’s Room: 4 x 20m2 space with each including bedroom area, bathroom area and CCTV screen desk.

Recreational Area: A 100 m2 space containing items such as a TV and pool table.

Healthcare Facility: A 60 m2 space including: _A Doctor’s office with a locked medical and treatment supplies cupboard. _A psychologist’s office. _A secure medical room where a stretcher can be located, together with a unit for the clinical instruments and articles required for providing first aid. _A shower/bathroom space with toilet.

Kitchen Area: A 150m2 space to cater for the entire prison (prisoner and staff) with four (4) main areas: preparation food; cooking; washing area; and fridges/food cupboards. Shower and toilet cubicles should be included.

Dinning Area: A 200m2 space with fixed tables and chairs including drinking water fountains.

Faith’s Facility: A 30 m2 space with to house chaplain offices and facilities for counselling of individuals or groups.

NOTE: this plan is for information only.

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Education Facility: A 50 m2 library space providing adult education or continuing education opportunities. #06

Visiting Area: A 50m2 space where prisoners may be allowed restricted contact with relatives, friends, lawyers, or other people.

Staff Accommodation: 6 x 20m2 studio accommodations each including bedroom, bathroom and a desk area. These will be used by directors, doctors, chefs, clerks and guards.

Control and Security: Should be insulated from the rest of the building: _Main Control room: A 50m2 space with record CCTV 24/7 screens for the hole building and door control access. This area will include the tape storeroom. _Control tour: A 15m2 space, located at the highest level of the prison.

External Area: Can be located on roof tops, platforms annex, etc to serve as: _ Industrial and/or agricultural use (growing plants) _A gym or an exercise yard, which prisoners may use for recreational and exercise purposes. _Helicopter landing area (Note: this area should be highly isolated from the rest of the prison). _Loading boat area: Loading bay for food, medical and any other deliveries (except prisoners).

NOTE: This external area is not included in the final total area of 3750 m2 given below.

Services: _General Storage: A 500m2 space connected to the loading space. _ 6 x 10 m2 locked Cleaning Cupboards distributed in different parts of the building. _Laundry: A 200m2 space where washing machines and dryers can be located, as well as an ironing area. _Plant room: A 300m2 space including boiler, electricity, a de-salting and filtration water system. _Refuse area: A 100m2 space.

Circulation: _One highly secure freight elevator able to reach every level of the building from the loading area. _Two elevators for staff use. _ A number of staircases to aid movement of prisoners around the building.

PARTIAL: 3000 m2 Circulation And Walls: 25% of the total area: 750 m2 TOTAL: 3750 m2 NOTE: A maximum additional constructed area of 10% may be tolerated.

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Prison Cell

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DESIGN CRITERIA /// Spatial organisation: The proposed prison will be for men only and divided into two sections, with one containing prisoners awaiting trial and the other housing convicted prisoners. All facilities such as the exercise yard, dinning area, library, etc.. will be used by the two sections but at different times schedule.

Slight variations in the surface area and the free combination (m2) of the different section and uses will be accepted. It is also left to the discretion of participants, on how best to combine the different platforms.

Detention Room

Structure: Although no engineering calculation is to be presented, an architectonic structural design is to be suggested as the basis or foundations for the building’s final structural criteria. This means that the structure should be clearly represented both in plans and sections.

Volume: There are no height restrictions.

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COMPETITION PROJECT DISCLAMER /// This is an open International Competition hosted by [AC-CA] to generate progressive contemporary design ideas. There are no plans for the Ocean Platform Prison to be built. #09

NOTE: this plans as for information only

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ARCHITECTURAL CONTRIBUTION /// [AC-CA] sees its competitions as providing an opportunity for architectural experimentation, discussion and speculation.

We are interested in motivating architects to provide their own point of view or vision, which very often may lead to the pushing of the boundaries and rules defined by the Competition.

In other words, entrants are free to explore how far they can push the rules and guidelines set for Competition without breaking them, to avoid being disqualified.

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SPECIAL CONDITIONS /// There are no special conditions, however, the design should sit comfortably in harmony with the site. It should also be as aesthetically interesting to visitors with an expression of great spatial awareness.

Submissions can be the work of an individual or a group up to 4 members and there is no age limit. However, entrants under 18 years of age must be lead or entered by someone over the age of 18.

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THOSE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE /// Architects, Architecture Graduated, Engineers and Students.

Interdisciplinary teams are also encouraged to enter the Competition.

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THOSE INELIGIBLE AND CAN NOT PARTICIPATE /// Employees, staff, consultants, agents or family members of [AC-CA] personnel.

Employees, partners, friends, family, personnel, office practice or studios associated with any of the jurors.

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RESTRICTIONS /// There are no restrictions for this International Competition.

Registration and participation in the Competition implies an immediate acceptance by entrants of all terms & conditions governing the site and Competition.

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SCHEDULE /// _Competition Officially Announced - 06th November 2012 _Start of Competition and Early Bird Registration - 08th November to 20th December 2012 _Late Competition Registration – 21st December 2012 to 18th February 2013 _Deadline for Questions - 31st January 2013

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_Closing Date for Submissions - 22nd February 2013

AWARDS ///

_Jury Evaluation - 27th February - 06th March 2013

Winning participants will receive prizes totalling US$ 6,000 with the distribution as follows:

_Announcement of Winners and Publication at www.ac-ca.org - 08th March 2013

1st PRIZE: US$ 3,500 (THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED US DOLLARS)

Note: All deadlines are 11:59 pm - 00:00 GMT (London).

2nd PRIZE: US$ 1,700 (ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED US DOLLARS) 3rd PRIZE: US$ 800 (EIGHT HUNDRED US DOLLARS) There will also be 7 honorable mentions.

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PUBLICATION /// 1st Prize, 2nd Prize and 3rd Prize will be published in a number of magazine press and blogs as well as on the [AC-CA] website.

Please see the list on [AC-CA] website.

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DEADLINES ///

FEES ///

All entry submissions must be sent via email to pacific@ac-ca.org until midnight on 22nd February 2013 (11:59 pm. - 00:00 GMT London).

_Early Bird Registration: US$ 80 from 08th November to 20th December 2012

Participants will be responsible for the arrival of their proposals within the corresponding deadlines and no proposal will be accepted after the deadline.

_Late Registration: US$ 120 from 21st December 2012 to 18th February 2013 Entrants may register by filling the registration form and submitting it with the appropriate payment through our secure gateway.

Note: It will not be possible to amend or update any information relating to your registration including the names of team members once validated.

Method of Payment: Payments can be made to [AC-CA] by the following methods: _VISA Debit/Credit Card _Master Card _Maestro Card _Solo Switch Card _Electron Card _PayPal

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ADDITIONAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION /// The presentation technique is absolutely open and at the discretion of the entrant. However, it is recommended that the submitted image include the following information which reflect the main concept of the design: _Plans, _Sections, _Sketches or perspectives The presentation should clearly document the proposed design as well as the approach to the project.

Information relating to organization, materials, treatment of the location and the design should be included when considered relevant.

The total area of the project should be included on a part of the image. Any additional textual or numerical descriptions should be incorporated into the graphical presentation of the project and expressed in English only.

Entrant’s unique Registration Number should appear on the upper right side of the image.

(Anonymously - without any names or markings, just the Unique Registration Number).

Note: Entrants are advised to send their submissions from the same email address used for registration on the [AC-CA] website, as submissions from a different or an unrecognised e-mail account might be treated as Spam. This might also prevent us from tracing you in the event we have to contact you.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS /// A single (1) board horizontal digital image with the detail listed below must be submitted via email to pacific@ac-ca.org: _Subject of email: Subject of the email must be your unique registration number. _Image Format: A single zipped or compressed JPG extension file. _Dimensions: 3500 width x 2600 height (pixels) or 36.45 x 27.08 inches or 92.6 x 68.79 cm to 96dpi. _File Name: The image file name must correspond to the unique registration number.

(Example: 33333.jpg where 333333 represent the unique registration number assigned and sent to you by [AC-CA] minutes after a successful registration). _Max. File Size: 2MB (2 Megabytes).

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS /// We highly recommend that participants check the Questions & Answers section (FAQ) of the [AC-CA] website for updates as this may provide vital answers to questions, additional information and also reflect any updates / clarification to the brief.

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JURY /// The Jury for this International Competition will comprise of the following professionals: _Shao-Wei Huang – Architect (Chinese) _Luis Fonseca – Architect (Portuguese) _Derek Kawiti – Architect / Lecturer (New Zealand)

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EVALUATION AND JUDGING PROCESS /// The Jury will review the submitted entries based on the Competition’s set of objectives and from a short-list of entries, select the Competition winners with an [AC-CA] consultant overseeing each stage of the process.

The Jury’s decision will be final as stated in the Competition’s terms and conditions.

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EVALUATION CRITERIA /// Entries will be evaluated based on the following 5 main criteria: _Intelligent and appropriate use of all design principles. _Use of space and perceive traffic flow within the space. _The Design’s aesthetics and originality. _The use of sustainable material. _Clarity and comprehensibility of the design.

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RESOURCE ///

COMMUNICATION & TECHNICAL ENQUIRES ///

For further information relating to the environmental context of this Competition, participants may visit the following online resource:

[AC-CA] is responsible for the enforcement of all “PACIFIC [06]” Competition Rules, management and fair process. All enquiries and contact relating to the Competition must be addressed to [AC-CA] by email at pacific@ac-ca.org.

Please be advised that any attempt to contact the jury in relation to the Contest will result in the immediate disqualification of the entrant.

Life in Prison : https://www.gov.uk/life-in-prison/arriving-at-prison History of Prison : http://hektoeninternational.org/Disciplinary_architecture.html New Prison Design : http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/magazine/14prisons-t.html [AC-CA] : www.ac-ca.org

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Please see extra information regarding Prison design in the PDF file included in the folder.

QUERIES AND QUESTIONS /// All queries regarding registration, process, fees or payment should be sent by email to: info@ac-ca.org

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TERMS & CONDIDITONS /// Please see the terms and conditions section on www.ac-ca.org.

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