Discover Ny Anstalt: Greenland’s Modern Prison Facility | Go Travel Daily

Discover Ny Anstalt: Greenland’s Modern Prison Facility

Ny Anstalt Prison: A Humane Approach to Incarceration in Greenland

Ny Anstalt prison, currently under construction in Nuuk—the capital of Greenland, represents a groundbreaking design philosophy in modern correctional facilities. This innovative project, spearheaded by Danish architecture firms Friis & Moltke and Schmidt Hammer Lassen, emphasizes a humane environment that encourages rehabilitation.

Ny Anstalt prison is under construction in Nuuk—the capital of Greenland, 165 miles (265 kilometers) south of the Arctic Circle. Its architects have designed a “humane” penitentiary that operates like a small village, allowing inmates to lead a life that’s as “normal” as possible. Studies show that inmates from humane prisons have a greater chance of successful reintegration into society, with lower rates of re-offending.

Design Features Enhancing Inmate Well-Being

The architects of Ny Anstalt have strategically designed the arrival hall to create a welcoming atmosphere. By incorporating glass panels, incoming prisoners and visitors can see the staff inside, ultimately making the experience of entering the facility less stressful.

Ny Anstalt’s architects designed the arrival hall to look welcoming. They used glass panels so that incoming prisoners and visitors can see the staff inside, making the experience of entering less stressful.

In addition to individual cells where prisoners rest, Ny Anstalt promotes community through spacious living rooms that encourage social interaction. Furthermore, the facility includes communal kitchens, workplaces, educational resources, sports facilities, a library, a health center, and even a church, supporting a well-rounded recovery process for inmates.

Prisoners sleep one to a cell and share spacious, comfortable living rooms, designed to promote socializing and a sense of community. The prison is also equipped with communal kitchens, workplaces, education and sports facilities, a library, a health center, and a church.

Architectural Innovation for Harsh Conditions

Positioned on Lille Malene mountain, the physical stability of the building was a significant hurdle due to the rocky terrain. The core structure is made of concrete, designed to withstand the harsh Arctic climate, ensuring the longevity and durability of the facility.

Ny Anstalt under construction. The 130 square foot (12 square meter) cells are positioned to enjoy the best views of Sermitsiaq, a towering mountain on an offshore island.

Creating a Non-Threatening Environment

The perimeter wall of Ny Anstalt is intentionally designed to be less intimidating than conventional prison walls. By collaborating with a local artist, the architects incorporated animal etchings on its surface, enhancing the aesthetic while promoting a sense of connection to nature. Additionally, the cells are designed so that inmates can see over the wall, allowing views of the sea and mountains.

Ny Anstalt’s perimeter wall is designed to look less threatening than a typical prison wall. The architects brought in a local artist to create etchings of animals on its surface. The cells are designed so that inmates can see over the wall, to the sea and mountains beyond.

Environmental Consciousness in Design

The prison’s construction incorporates concrete clad with weathered steel panels, expertly arranged to prevent snow accumulation. This design not only enhances safety but also ensures that the facade remains robust despite the fluctuation of Arctic temperatures, preventing degradation over time.

The prison is made of concrete clad with panels of weathered steel. The panels are arranged in an overlapping pattern to minimize gaps and keep out the snow. Trapped snow would alternately expand and contract as fluctuating temperatures cause it to melt and freeze, which could weaken the facade structure.

Moreover, the weathered steel enriches the aesthetic of the prison as it rusts and forms a protective seal over time. According to project manager Jette Birkeskov Mogenson, “It gets more beautiful with age as corrosion patterns develop.” This natural aging process allows the structure to harmonize with Greenland’s striking landscape, blending seamlessly into the environment.

The weathered steel rusts when exposed to air, forming a protective seal. ‘It gets more beautiful with age as corrosion patterns develop,’ says project manager Jette Birkeskov Mogenson. The steel mirrors the reddish brown tones of Greenland’s heathland plants and bushes, especially in the autumn. ‘Even though the prison is a massive construction, it will blend into the landscape.’

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