Synopticon PROJECT BY RYAN BOTTS UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
Over the short course of its history, prison typology has enjoyed only minor revisions since Bentham’s Panopticon in 1785. Most of these revisions have been technological in nature and do not address the dichotomy of prison as a deterrent or as a source of rehabilitation. To synthesize both of these goals, the Synopticon incorporates an incentive gradient. Its three levels are punctured by a large core, and entrylevel prisoners are placed farthest from the core. Prisoners who cooperate are moved nearer to the core, into larger cells with greater access to natural light, ventilation and personal freedoms. Liberation from the Synopticon is entirely dependent on the prisoner’s cooperation and graduation through all levels of the system.
Towers of Terroir PROJECT BY KATE MORGAN GRADUATE STUDENT
Towers of Terroir consists of a grouping of eight towers that house vertical farms and an elevated plinth containing human-occupied spaces such as a café, kitchen and culinary school. The towers are organized into two parts to accommodate different growing conditions: One with low, highly controllable light levels is used to grow mushrooms and edible fungi, and the other contains photosynthetic plants such as vegetables and herbs. The central plinth is very open, consisting of two levels that are held up by the crossing cores that help support the towers and allow foot traffic across the central area. The culinary school is on a half level below, and the dining facility is on the main level.
Rice Magazine
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No. 9
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2011
33