syn•op•tic

adj \se-’näp-tik\
1 affording a general view of a whole // 2 manifesting or characterized by
comprehensiveness or breadth of view // 3 presenting or taking the same
or common view; specifically often capitalized :

The prison typology is a relatively new, albeit incomplete attempt at resolving one of the most volatile social forces in human society.  Over the short course of its history it has enjoyed only minor revisions since Bentham offered his Panopticon in 1785, and most of these only technological in nature.  It is evident that the American Federal Prison system is broken. With recidivism rates that have never been higher we are currently accruing the largest recycled prison population of any nation on the planet.

My analysis began with an observation of existing prison typologies, including existing federal typologies currently used in the states, more experimental examples found in Holland and Norway, and historical precedents like the Mettray Colony in 19th cent France. My analysis largely yielded an historical overview of the perception and intention behind prison typologies throughout history. It would seem that societal perception tends to swing between two overarching conditions: iatrogenic and nuanced. The primary difference is a change in attitude; some want to conceive of prison as a deterrent, others as a source of rehabilitation. Throughout the prison typology’s lifespan the popular conception has oscillated between these two poles with little or any success. The synopticon, by means of constructing a incentive-gradient synthesizes both of these goals into a single formal solution.

With each passing graduation the cell furnishings, floor space, access to communal program, personal freedoms, and the nature of cell aggregation increases. In G4 prisoners are kept in relative isolation for most of the day. The circulation system is a heavily prescriptive meander that offers maximum control. G3 cells arrange themselves in communal aggregations of four or more and act as boundary conditions onto exterior moments. Additionally the G3 circulation system is much more open, allowing for the insertion of specific types of program within its perimeters. Finally G2 is the open plan, resolving the residential units into long ‘bars’ of sustainable living that can account for small nuclear families of the prisoner is the sole bread-winner (as is often the case). G2 Prisoners enjoy the most freedoms, with the absence of uniforms, and greatest access to the public domain via the metro rail. By offering a gradient level of incentivized space along with a battery of vocational training, victim-offender mediation facilities, and employment offices, the Synopticon hopes to break the cyclical failings of the current prison system and drastically reduce recidivism amongst future prison populations.