Düppel prison, designed by MGF Architekten, stands in the heart of the Berlin suburb of Zehlendorf. Unusually located close to the city centre, it is approached via an avenue lined with mature trees. With their design, MGF Architekten have moved away from the traditional design formula for a prison. The result is a minimalist, austere building with the brickwork facade adding texture and a certain solidity.
An interesting twist to the design is the formation of window and door openings as slender slits within the brick facade. This is combined with innovative detailing for the shutter and door frames. The clever integration of rotating shutters on a central pivot combines security and functionality. When closed, the shutters align flush with the brickwork creating a continuous facade. On opening, the shutters resemble slender fins, allowing natural light to flood in and prevent prisoners from escaping. The average cell measures 10.5 m² but due to the innovative window design, the space appears much larger.
Architect: MGF Architekten
Image: MGF Architekten
Posted on January 3, 2014 by untitled
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