A Corporate-Like Jail in Manhattan?
A recent video rendering by Tutor Perini showcases the future Manhattan Detention Center, revealing a high-rise structure that resembles a corporate office rather than a traditional jail. This design aims to blend into the urban landscape, making its function nearly undetectable to passersby.
Design Details
The proposed facility will stand approximately 300 feet high, featuring glass walls, a landscaped plaza, and a lobby that lacks the usual security measures like bulletproof glass. The design intentionally avoids the typical prison aesthetics, striving instead for a more corporate vibe.
Community Reassurance
These renderings are intended to alleviate concerns from Chinatown residents about the imposing presence of a jail. The design represents a shift from the previous intimidating facility, known as The Tombs, to a more approachable architectural style.
Ethical Considerations in Design
However, the renderings are more of a placeholder than a comprehensive design. The current architectural climate is influenced by ethical concerns surrounding the design of incarceration spaces, as many architects are avoiding such projects. The AIA has even discouraged architects from engaging with criminal justice facilities due to the moral implications.
Conclusion: A Different Perspective?
As public sentiment evolves, the design of the new detention center may reflect a more humane approach to incarceration, even if it still receives substantial public funding. While it may not look as daunting as its predecessor, the conversation around the ethics of prison architecture continues to be crucial.
Photo-Illustration: Tutor Perini
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