TRANSFORMATION OF RICHMOND PENITENTIARY Building preservation in a postcolonial context
Thesis project Studio 1B - Transformation of Architectural Heritage Maria Danielle Zachariassen
Student:
Maria Danielle Olsson Zachariassen Studio:
1B - Transformation of Architectural Heritage Tutor:
Mogens A. Morgen Contact information:
maria_doz@hotmail.com +45 52 40 66 23 2
“Heritage belongs to everyone, and protecting and preserving the historic environment is a responsibility shared by every member of society� Manish Chakraborti, Conservation Architect Copenhagen, May 2017
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CONTENTS
PREAMBLE 7 PROJECT STATEMENT 9 THE CONTEXT History of Denmark and The U.S. Virgin Islands Denmark and The U.S. Virgin Islands in 2017 Architectural typologies Climatic Conditions
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THE SITE Registration of site Christiansted and Richmond Architectural Description of 2017 Historic Development Atmospheric Description
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PROGRAMMING Method The Creative Community Center
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CONSERVATION VALUES AND ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGY Conservation value assessment Architectural Strategy DIALOG OF EXISTING AND NEW
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SOURCES
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TIMETABLE
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Site
means the position or location of a town, building, etc. The word can refer to the area or exact plot of ground on which anything is, has been, or is to be located. In the following text “site� refers to Richmond Penitentiary, including all buildings, the perimeter wall and garden.
Conservation means the processes of looking after a place so as to retain its cultural significance.
Maintenance
means the continuous protective care of a place and its setting. Maintenance is to be distinguished from repair which involves restoration or reconstruction.
Restoration
means returning a place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing elements without the introduction of new material.
Reconstruction
means returning a place to a known earlier state and is distinguished from restoration by the introduction of new material.
Transformation
means a complete or comprehensive change of form, appearance, nature, or character.
Adaptation means changing a place or site to suit the existing use or a proposed use.
Reinterpretation
means the act of interpreting; elucidation; explication. A reinterpretation can include an explanation of the meaning of another’s artistic or creative work.
Use means the functions of a place, including the activities and traditional and customary practices that may occur at the place or are dependent on the place. (Australia ICOMOS, 2000)
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PREAMBLE
This document serves as a written statement connected to the thesis project of Maria Danielle Zachariassen, Aarhus School of Architecture spring 2017. The thesis project is a building preservation project which aims to make a proposal for a restoration of Richmond Penitentiary on St. Croix and an transformation of the connected site.
Through analysis of the building complex and the local context of St. Croix, the following project takes a stand to these questions. This statement includes an introduction to the project, the context and the site, a description of the method used for programming, an architectural strategy based on a developed value assessment, important analyzes for the process and a short representation of the resulting project. The statement finally includes reflections on the process.
Emerging at the time of Transfer Centennial of the U. S. Virgin Islands, the project finds itself in a current discussion of colonial past and the future connection between Denmark and the former Danish West Indies. The project debates architectural heritage in a postcolonial context and a continuous increasingly globalized world.
Connected to the statement are four appendices. Appendix 1: Conservation Value Assessment on Richmond Penitentiary
Which concerns are to be taken, as an architect representing the old colonial power in 2017?
Appendix 2: Interviews
And furthermore,
Appendix 3: Reflections - Building preservation in a postcolonial context
How do we move past the challenges of post-colonialism, to facilitate a sustainable development for the local community in which the architectural heritage is situated?
Appendix 4: Current condition - a set of measurement drawings done in February 2017 7
“Postcolonialism, the historical period or state of affairs representing the aftermath of Western colonialism; the term can also be used to describe the concurrent project to reclaim and rethink the history and agency of people subordinated under various forms of imperialism.� (Duncan Ivison, 2017)
Plan drawing of the site, dated to 1882. Measurements done on site in 2017, where done on the basis of this plan drawing. (Danish National Archives)
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PROJECT STATEMENT
Axonometric representation of the sites current condition - 2017
The intention of this project is prolonging the life of an historical building with sensitivity for its past and a wish to make it an inevitable part of the cultural future of its surroundings.
Reinterpretation The former jailers residence was removed from the site around 1950. To emphasize and reestablish the symmetry of the site, this building will be subject for a reinterpretation.
The project combines building preservation methods of restoration, transformation and reinterpretation.
Transformation The site is defined by a perimeter wall, encircling several buildings. Through analysis and programming, the site will be adapted to suit a new use. This may include removal and addition of volumes as well as planning of the outdoor space.
Programming is included as a part of the process. Restoration The remaining parts of Richmond Penitentiary is currently in a bad shape, after standing without roofing the past decades. The site is overgrown, with vegetation starting to interfere with the constructed walls.
Programming Finding a new use for the site is part of the challenges in the project. The new use should accommodate the buildings architectural potential as well as the demand for social and cultural activities in the local community.
Based on the value assessment, a strategy of restoration is developed.
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THE CONTEXT
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Slaves
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HISTORY OF DENMARK AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
M/S Danebrog in Christiansted, ca 1900. (Landsmarks Archive, St. Croix)
St. Croix was bought in 1733 by The Danish West India–Guinea Company for 164.000 Danish Rix-dollars. The Company already controlled St. Thomas and St. John. In 1755 the Danish Crown took over the administration of the three islands.
the ships went back to Europe with goods from the colonies such as tobacco, cotton, minerals and in the case of St. Croix: sugar and rum. (Studio Transformation and Architectural Heritage, 2016) In 1917, United States of America bought the islands from the Danish government. It was bought, not for agricultural values, but for the island’s strategic location. The islands are today an insular area of the United States, which means the area is not a part of the several states, nor the U.S. federal district of Washington D.C. (U.S. Department of the Interior, 2017)
Like other European nations with colonies in the West Indies, Denmark participated in the triangular trade: Ships sailed to Africa with firearms. Men, women and children were sold into slavery and transported to the West Indies to work as free labor for the plantation owners. Finally 13
Lars Løkke Rasmussen in Christiansted on Transfer Day 2017. (Regeringen.dk)
“In search of identity” Exhibition of student projects in Bygningskulturens Hus, Copenhagen, October 2016.
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DENMARK AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS IN 2017
In 2017, the Transfer Centennial has been visible in the public press both in Denmark and on the U.S.V.I. Transfer day was marked March 31. on St. Croix with a parade, an official ceremony, fireworks and exhbition openings.
ment of a temporary culutral institution in Copenhagen; “Virgin Island Culture Embassy”. In Danish press, Politiken has shown its interest to the debate of post colonial matters, presenting interviews of artists, politicians and citizens of U.S.V.I. as well as informative background articles.
The danish prime minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen participated in the event, delivering an official speech. Expectations previous to the speech were an official apology from Denmark to the U.S.V.I. Løkke did not give an apology, but his speech showed an acknowledgement of the history and its adverse impacts on the later development of the former colony.
9.th of March 2017 Politiken publishes an interview with the crucian artist La Vaughn Belle, in the event of her exhibition opening in Copenhagen. Belle states that every Dane should apologize to the people of U.S. Virgin Islands, in order to heal trauma of the past.
“We must acknowledge that what happened in the past has affected where the islands are today. We cannot undo the past. What we can do is to improve the future.” (Rasmussen, 2017) The speech was well recieved by politicians on the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Public debate shows shared opinions on the approach to transfer day and centennial celebration both in Denmark and the former colony. What is certain is that the common history is present today in the economic, political and cultural situations of the two regions.
In Denmark, the centennial has been visible in collaborative initiatives like “In search of identity” and the establish-
“(...)although we share a common past – we have not always shared the same story about that past.” (Rasmussen, 2017)
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Crucian is a term used for a person, tradition, product etc. wich originates from St. Croix.
“In search of identity” is a collaboration between Denmark and U.S.V.I, with the intention to give an understanding of history. This includes architectural restoration projects on St. Croix and St. Thomas, in wich the Aarhus School of Architecture was involved in 2016. My participation in registrations on St. Croix in 2016, and the following semester project, has been an inspiration and academic background for this thesis project.
St. Thomas
St. John
St. Croix
FREDERIKSTED
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Richmond
CHRISTIANSTED
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Map of St. Croix 1:100 000
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Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted. One of the best kept historical buildings on St. Croix, serving as a museum today. Photo 2017.
King Street in Frederiksted, showing the tradisitonal archades and a combination of danish bricks and vernacular techniques. Photo 2017.
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ARCHITECTURAL TYPOLOGIES
The architecture of St. Croix is a mix of European influence, local vernacular architecture and creole influence from other Caribbean islands.
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Vernacular Architecture
Sketch of vernacular building, Queen Street, Christiansted. Done on study trip in March 2016
Vernacular architecture is generally referred to as unpretentious, traditional structures made of local materials. Vernacular buildings are based on daily life and local knowledge and craftsmanship to suit the context in which it is built. The vernacular architecture of Christiansted is recognized by its wooden framework and are rarely more than two stories tall. Hard wood like mahogany are used because of its resistance against termites. Use of natural stones and brick in foundation and ground floor are used to protect the houses from heavy rainfalls. The hip roof was originally covered with wooden shingles. The doors and windows will often be seen with shutters to protect the buildings from sun, storm and hurricanes.
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French and Spanish influence
Sketch of 52B Company Street, Christiansted. Done on study trip in March 2016
The Caribbean has during the last centuries undergone creolization of cultures. Creolization meaning the process of assimilation in which neighbouring cultures share certain features to form a new distinct culture. In Christiansted there are examples of Spanish influenced architecture build by Puerto Rican immigrants between 1930 and 1950. 52B Company Street was built in 1937, and shows some examples of the Spanish influenced typology. The facade is decorated with colourful tiles, the doors and windows are protected with ornamented iron grills. On second floor the openings are provided with simple cornices. It has a colonnade with beams, in stead of arches and arcade.
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Danish Classicism
A great part of the existing buildings downtown Christiansted was constructed during the Danish colonial time. During this period of time, the founding of the Art Academy in Denmark took place, and classicism was highly represented in Danish architecture. Classicist characteristics are formality, symmetry and strict lines, and it is often seen in official buildings.
Sketch of Danish influenced building, King sStreet, Christiansted. From study trip in March 2016
The Government House in King Street shows an official architecture, detailed with cornices in three stories and presents a formal entrance stair. Some buildings downtown Christiansted has a more subtle appearance with only one or two stories and less detailing, still with classicist arches and arcades. The faรงades are strictly composed with symmetric openings. The materials used are Danish bricks and lime mortar, often combined with local stone and corals. Where the colours used in Danish classicism would be white or light warm tones, the colours used in Christiansted today are more bold and adventurous in combination with the classicist elements.
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There are some distinct differences between classicist buildings in the Virgin Islands and in Denmark. This is likely the result of adapting the ideals of classicism from the Danish context and transferring it to St. Croix. Both the climate, culture and the local building traditions are likely to have influenced the classicism in Christiansted and St. Croix. One noticeable difference between classicism in Denmark and St. Croix is the use of arches and beams in the faรงades. Where the arches and beams in Denmark are often placed in direct contact with the actual window or door, in Christiansted the colonnades and arcades are used as covered transition areas between inside and outside. This creates shade as well as airflow for the interior and the areas outside the buildings. The classicist buildings in Christiansted also share some features with the vernacular architecture. Solutions developed to the local climate like hip roof and shutters in front of openings, are used in combination with the strict classicist elements. (Studio Transformation and Architectural Heritage, 2016)
Photo of Government Building, King Street, Christiansted. Photo from study trip 2016.
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CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Awareness of the tropical humid climate is important to develop long lasting architecture on the island of St. Croix. With temperatures mainly between 20 °C and 30 °C all year and few overcast days (Meteoblue, 2017) , a main issue is to keep the heat outside and secure ventilation of indoor spaces. Natural ventilation is key to minimize the huge cost of electrical cooling, as well as to create a natural and healthy indoor climate. The traditional hip roof with interior wooden cover creates a void between the interior and exterior, for the heat to rise from the inhabited room into the roof construction. Wooden shingles are less heat absorbing than metal roof. Window shutters in wood and mosquito net is normally used instead of glass windows. Example of window shutters creating natural airflow. Christiansted, 2016. Picture by Maj Bjerre Dalsgaard.
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Rainfall is concentrated in summertime (May-October). Storms and hurricanes are most common in the hurricane season between June and October. Wind normally hits the island from east and northeast. This part of the island is more dry and gold compared to the lushious green west end and mid island (data for text and illustrations from Meteoblue, 2017). Hip roofs without overhang has shown to be sable during harsh storms. Wooden roof constructions layed with wooden shingles are more likely to stay stable during storms than the modern metal roofing, because of the flexibility of the wood.
Local fisher on a overcast day in Christiansted, 2016.
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THE SITE
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Richmond Power Plant
United Betheren Christ Curch
Richmond Penitentiary
Juanita Gardine Elementary School
Red Brick Housing Charles Hardwood Memorial Hospital
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Protestant Cay
Seaplane Base
Christiansvaern Fort
Water Gut Housing
Downtown Christiansted
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Site in context: Christiansted and Richmond 1:5000
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REGISTRATION ON SITE
Sketch of measurements - done on site 11/02 - 2017
Registrations of the site were done during the study trip to St. Croix in February 2017.
Technical condition is described in the architectural description. Following are pictures of the close surroundings to the site - Richmond beach, Christiansted WAPA Power Plant and neighboring housing community.
Pictures, sketches and text represents the atmospheric registrations, while building measurements are represented in analog and digital drawings. 35
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CHRISTIANSTED AND RICHMOND
Map of Christiansted and Richmond, including the jail in Richmond. Ca 1840. (Landmarks Archive, St. Croix)
Like many other European founded settlements in the Americas, Christiansted and Frederiksted are planned cities and has a strict grid plan system. This system was popular among the city planners in the 17th and 18th century and represents the rationalist ideas of enlightenment.
wind by turning the roads in North East and North West directions. The area of Richmond was planned by the Danes as a part of Christiansted town. This was the area in which the Danes placed the prison as well as a leper asylum in walking distance from town. The orientation of these institutions were orientated in the same North East and North West directions as the towns.
The grid structure of Christiansted also served a more mundane purpose as it served as protection from the northern 42
Diagram of Orientation - Christiansted and Richmond
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ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION OF 2017
Richmond Prison, which today stands in ruin, is located just west of Christiansted town on the island of St. Croix. The original prison buildings from 1836 were drawn by the Danish architect Albert Løvmand, in collaboration with several unnamed architects. The building is constructed with coral blocks supplemented with brick linings at the windows and brick quoins, all of which are stuccoed in a dark red color. The old prison building is organized in several buildings, all connected to a perimeter wall, encircling two outdoor spaces. For the detailed architectural description, see appendix 1: Value Assessment.
Photo from corridor in Cell Block, February 2017.
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Latrine 1836
Stable 1836
Cells 1950 Hospital 1880
Hospital 1880
Jailers Residence 1836 (removed 1950)
Keepers House 1836
Cell Block 1836
Cistern 1836
Womens block 1950 Kitchen 1836
Plan drawing of the site, as measured in February 2017 1:500
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The Cell Block
The cell block has a simple and distinctive plan organized with a high ceiled central corridor and symmetrically placed cells on each side. The high ceiled corridor provides the cell block with natural ventilation and light, through openings close to the monitor roof. The corridor today stands mostly without roofing. Each cell is about 6m2 and has a barrel vaulted ceiling.
Picture of a cell, February 2017. Showing human scale nature interfering - root growing into wall
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Original and current openings of the cell block. Openings were modified between 1900 and 1950
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Perspective section 1:20. Based on measurements, photos and registrations, February 2017
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Keepers House
Keepers house is a 140m2 one story building attached to the east gable of the cell block. Today, the roof is partly demolished by storms and termittes. Originally, the building was lime washed in red and white, with classisistic detailing with tooth cornice, triangular pediments and corner detailing. The hip roof was traditionally a wooden construction layed with wooden shingles. The house was originally used as housing for the keepers. Richard A. Schrader, former assistant warden, tells that the keepers house was used as wardens office from 1950s and forward. (See the full interview in Appendix 2: interviews).
Picture of keepers house, February 2017.
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Jailers Residence
The jailers residence is represented in the original drawings of the complex, and was placed symmetrically to keepers house, in the west end of the cell block. According to Richard A. Schrader, former assistant warden in Richmond Prison, the jailers residence was removed before 1960. Jailers residence was a home for the jailer and his family, and therefore distinguished from the keepers house by a light colored lime wash and a residential plan. During archive research, only one photo and a plan drawing has been able to find. Therefore, the reinterpretation of jailers residence will be made on the basis of measuring of keepers house.
View from the west end of cell block, February 2017.
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HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT
1836 Richmond Prison was drawn by Løvmand and erected under governor Peter von Scholten. The site includes Keepers House, Cell Block, Jailers Residence, a cistern building, kitchen building, latrine and stable. The southern part of the garden was not accesible for prisoners.
1880 Two new buildings were added to the northern part of the prison garden. These are described as “Hospital for insane” (this building being the only one of two stories at the site) and “Hospital for male foot wound patients”. The additions are built in dansih bricks and nature stone, as the rest of the site. 54
1960 Additional cells were added, constucted with concrete blocks. The concrete blocks were produced by the prisoners in the prison garden and sold for construction on island. Roofs were changed from wooden shingles to metal roof. Jailers residence was removed. Cell openings were enlarged.
2017 The technical condition is poor, most of the roofs lacking. The site is overgrown and almost unaccessible. Machete and patience is needed to register the northern garden and hospital buildings.
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ATMOSPHERIC DESCRIPTION
The following text is an atmospheric description of my experience of visiting the ruins of Richmond Penitentiary in February. The text was written the day of my first visit.
Walking west of Christiansted I find myself in an area between the seaplane airport and a big power plant. The sound of waves and trees moving in the wind meets music and the sound of daily life in Richmond. Arriving to the site of old Richmond Prison, only the outer southern wall is visible, reaching out of the heavy overgrown grove. The extent of the building complex hiding in the bushes, are still unknown.
sight catches my eyes. A long narrow room, lowered three steps from where I stand, with endless repeated openings on each side, before disappearing into daylight from the iron door in the far end. Walking through the room, every cell feels like a new world to discover. So full of history and individual destinies. All keeping their own dark secrets. The cells are cool and dark, only lighted by a small opening lifted high above the ground. Daylight softly touches the walls and reveals only parts of the small rooms, keeping the rest to the imagination. Some cells are removed to connect the building with the garden outside. These dark, narrow openings gives access to a lush green garden bathing in sunlight. The now overgrown garden allows me only to get a glimpse of the buildings connected to the encircling wall.
Through the grove I enter the keepers building, walking two steps up. The room is half covered with a traditional wooden hip roof, half disposed to lianas and roots growing from the top of the wall and down. What catches my eye in this open room is the double iron door opposite of the entrance. Walking closer, a breathtaking
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PROGRAMMING
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METHOD
Inmates jamming in the prison chapel Blind drawing done during visit at Golden Grove Correctional Facility
The new program for Richmond Penitentiary will be a Creative Community Center. The process of finding a new use for Richmond Penitentiary has been divided in two phases:
- Visit to current prison; Golden Grove Correctional Facility - Observations of local culture 2. Theoretical research
1. On site registrations, February 2017: - Archive studies; History of the site History of prison reforms - Research; Local economy and social econ omy - Case studies: Fængslet Horsens Centro Cívico, Palencia
- Registrations of site and close surroundings - Interviews - Mapping of cultural and social activities - Visit to other restoration projects; Fort Christiansvaern Lawaets Family Museum Løvmand´s Slave Schools
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Interviews
The understanding of the site and its environment was partly made talking to a selection of people that would relate to the building and Richmond area in different ways. The selection of interviewees is based on their different connections to the area or the prison ruin. The interviewees differ in age, occupation, status and interests.
get an insight of the site in use around 1960. To get a deeper understanding of the site, I approached local people familiar to the area. Several of these interviewees addressed the lack of cultural or social activities in the local community as problem resulting. Community centers and basketball fields were some of the previous activities in the area, that the last decades had been moved or totally removed.
The intention of doing interviews was to get an understanding of the history of the site as well as addressing some issues or needs in the local community. This could be the starting point of developing a new use for the site. Questions for the interviews are organized in four groups:
Anselmo Jackson, previous resident in Richmond and employee at a soup kitchen in Christiansted shared his concerns on the lack of cultural and social activities:
1. Background information on interviewee, 2. Richmond area, 3. Richmond Prison and 4. Future use.
“Nobody is born homeless. Young people needs what I call “home-training”. They need to be told what is right and wrong, how to take care of themselves and how to be a part of the society. If they don´t get home-training at home and don´t have a place to hang out where other people can tell them what is right, then chances are they might become criminal or homeless.”
For a further understanding of the building and the history of the site, I contacted the local historian George Tyson as well as two local architects that previously has drawn proposals for the site. Visiting the present correctional facility on St. Croix, I made contacts with the former assistant warden of Richmond Prison, and could
The full interviews can be read in appendix 2.
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Research on Richmond area
During the past years the close surroundings of the site has undergone some serious changes. In 2015 Ralph deChabert housing project, including more than 30 apartment buildings, and a community center was demolished by the local government. This means the local community has changed from a dense populated area to an empty void close to Christiansted. The development plans for the area are currently in progress, including suggestions of holiday resorts or middle class housing. In the town plan by Gerville Larsen, Richmond Penitentiary is proposed as a future community center. There are still two housing projects close to the site - under the alias of Red Brick and Water Gut. These areas are - as on St. Croix in general - facing challenges of a high percentage of unemployment and an increasing crime rate. 80% of people under 30 are unemployed and the same age group are highly represented in the correctional facility of Golden Grove. Facing these challenges close to the site, a conscious development of the area can possibly affect the statistics in a positive direction.
Richmond beach has a view to Christiansted town and the Seaplane base 64
Richmond before 2015
Richmond as registered February 2017 65
History of prison reforms on St. Croix
In the first period, when The Virgin Island were under Danish colonial rule, physical punishment was the primary mode of correction. Enslaved and free colored were oftenly punished publicly at the whipping post outside of Christiansvaern fort.
erection of the building marks the start
Prisoners were held in dungeons of the forts and heavy sentences were used for minor infringements.
Richmond Penitentiary were used until the opening of Golden Grove Correctional Facility in 1973.
In 1830, Shortly after Peter von Sholten became governor-general, the whipping post was eliminated. Shortly after this, Richmond Penitentiary was built. The
My Visit to Golden Grove gave an insight in the development of prison buildings, with old cells from 1973 and new cells built around 2000.
of a more modern prison reform, as we know it today. The punishment were still harsh but new reforms stated that punishment should now be less public and prisoners were held in one man cells. (Rezende, 2017)
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Until 1836 Common fort dungeons Low cieling, crowded. No ventilation. Dansih bricks and local stone
1836-1973 Richmond - one man cell Natural ventilation. Danish bricks and local stone
1973 - 2000 Golden Grove - two man cells Natural ventilation. Concrete walls.
2000 - Golden Grove - one man cell Built for air condition cooling - no air condition used. Poorly ventilated. Concrete walls.
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Case studies
Fængslet Horsens The former prison in Horsens, Denmark was closed in 2006 and opened as a museum, hostel and café in 2012. The cells are used as hostel rooms as well as in museum exhibition. Hostel rooms are kept simple and with references to prison cells. Cultural activities like concerts or small festivals are hosted in the prison garden or common area. These areas are possible to rent for special occations (faengslet.dk, 2017). Hostel cell in “Fængslet” (faengslet.dk)
Consert at “Fængslet” (faengslet.dk)
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Centro CĂvico, Palencia The former prison of Palencia, Spain was in 2011 transformed into a Cultural Civic Center by Exit Architects. The program includes social and cultural activities like art and music classrooms, multi-purpose areas, library with reading rooms (cells) and an auditorium (ArchDaily, 2017).
View of hallway, Centro Civico. (Arch Daily, 2017)
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THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY CENTER
Richmond Creative Community Center will serve as a meeting place in the local community. Offering facilities for individual and collaborative creative work as well as events and visits, the target group will be local youths with creative interests. The program will include: - individual workspaces - simple accomodation - common workspaces and workshops - flexible indoor spaces for events and exhibitions - flexible outdoor spaces for events and exhibitions as well as practical functions like tiolets, bathrooms, kitchen, sistern and kitchen garden.
View from the yard showing part of northern facade of the cell block. Ca 1900 (Landmarks Archive, St. Croix)
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North Garden Public area, flexible outdoor space for events and exhibitions
Collaborative work
Individual work and accomodation
South Garden Kitchen, eating and kitchen garden
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Collaborative work
Users
The Local Artist
The Artist in Residence
Crucian youth (15-25) interested in creatvie work like photography, writing, painting and music.
Visitor from the neighbouring islands or foreign visitors, collaborating in creative work with the local artists. The artist in residence will have access to a private room for sleeping as well as workshop facilities, kitchen and common workspaces.
Each person will get access to a individual workspace - former cells, 6m2 - as well as workshop facilities for music, painting and photography, kitchen and common workspaces for collaboration.
Including artist in residence facilitates the opportunity of cultural exchange, interesting creative collaborations and international networking.
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The Local Group
The Visiting Group
The site will be open for all locals to use as a social hang out. They will primarily have access to common outdoor facilities.
The common outdoor facilities will be open for visitors and tourists, interested in the historic building or the creative work.
Common indoor spaces are possible to rent for events in the community.
During events hosted by the artists, workshop spaces might be used as vendors or exhibition spaces, showing the artists work.
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Cell block
Cells will be used as individual workspace for target group, as well as simple accomodation for artists in residence, visiting in creative collaboration with the local youths. Flexible interior will facilitate standing work, seated work or sleeping.
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Individual workspace will create opportunities for constentration in a creative enviroment. Text work, music, painting and photography will be the creative fields in focus for designing of the individual workspace. Diagrammatic section of cell block.
Common corridor for all local artists and artists in residence facilitates the opportunity of networking and collaboration in a creative enviroment Conseptual cross section of cell block 1:200
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CONSERVATION VALUES AND ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGY
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CONSERVATION VALUE ASSESSMENT
The architectural strategy for Richmond Penitentiary is developed on the basis of the value assessment for the complex, done in February 2017. To introduce the architectural strategy, the main conservation values will here be presented. For a detailed conservation value assessment, see Appendix 1: Conservation Value Assessment on Richmond Penitentiary.
Values of Cultural Heritage The main values of cultural heritage are found in the classicist architectural elements of the building and the combination of Danish bricks and local stones as building materials. The erection of the building in 1836 is a testify of the colonial age and the introduction of social reform and prison punishment in The Virgin Islands.
Environmental Values The main environmental values of Richmond Penitentiary is its close relation to Christiansted town and the sequence of changes close to the coastline west of town. The orthogonal organization of the site towards the water and the historic center of Christiansted is also of importance. The introvert organization of the complex, with all buildings connected to the perimeter wall, is a characteristic feature, which should be considered valuable and unique in further development of the site.
Architectural Values Architectural values of high importance are the contrasting experiences given by the different sizes, proportions and levels in the building. Elements as the large arched openings, triangular pediments and original substance as doors are also of importance. The organization of the complex, with all buildings relating to the perimeter wall holds a strong architectural feature and sets a rule for addition of volumes to the site.
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Value of Cultural Heritage: Combination of local and Danish building materials
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ARCHITECTURAL STRATEGY
The project is made with focus on preserving the identity and narrativity of the building, recognizing that prolonging life of the building and adapting the site is part of an inevitable process, where originality and authenticity will continue to decrease over time.
house. These two buildings will therefore be main focus for restoration in the project. Restorations of the remaining smaller buildings, will follow the same strategy as shown in the cell block and keepers house. Following are the main principles for the restoration, reinterpretation and transformation of the site.
On the basis of the conservation value assessment, four main goals are developed for the architectural interventions on site:
4. Facilitating a future functional use of the site
Exners keys for restoration can be seen as universal guidelines when approaching a historical building. By defining the Originality, Authenticity, Identity and Narrativity of the building, it creates a framework for building preservation, which might limit the objective perception of the architect. Working in a foreign culture, a universal framework as well as thorough registrations of the site and context are important to achieve a subjective understanding of the building.
Due to limited time and manpower during study trip, I have focused on measuring of the cell block and keepers
For further readings on building preservation in a postcolonial context, I will refer to Appendix 3: Reflections.
1. Prolonging the functional life of the building 2. Approaching the site in a process historical manner 3. Accentuating the architectonic character
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Restoration
Original fabric in situ are Danish bricks and natural stones in all walls as well as certain cell doors, window shutters and iron grills in doors and windows.
structural abilities are intact or possible to reestablish. Walls will be finished and repaired with Danish bricks of another color than the existing. This will make additions of 2017 visible, as well as being true to the original fabric and structural principle.
Original fabric of the buildings which is subject to restoration will be kept, if its
Originality refers to the physical fabric of the building which dates back to the time of erection. This is only original when kept in situ and not when moved (Exner. 2007).
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EXISTING MATERIALS 2017
Red lime wash
Danish bricks and local stone
19 of 52 wood cell doors are in situ. Wrought iron details rusty.
Iron bars in windows and door openings.
Metal roof (changed from wood shingles ca 1950).
Concrete buildings, made from concrete blocks done by prisoners in Richmond. ca 1950.
New red lime wash. - Preparing the historic walls for climatic challenges - Presenting the original craftsmanship and technique to its context
Repair of walls will be done with pale danish bricks and flemish bond.
NEW MATERIALS
Remains of metal roof will be replaced with cedar shingles, as before 1950.
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In the matter of authenticity, building details like doors, window shutters, iron grills etc. will be kept when possible. These will be repaired to serve its structural matter, and show the authenticity in its materials.
protection to prevent further withering. This will prolong the buildings functional life. The authentic fabric will be kept, but damage in wall surfaces will be lime washed in the facades and interior. The choice of limiting patina with lime wash also refers to the context. Christiansted and Richmond as context shows numerous examples of buildings, historical and modern, suffering from bad maintenance. The appreciation of a well kept building, communicating quality craftsmanship, is more valuable in this setting than the communication of patina and worn surfaces.
All walls will be finished with lime wash, protecting the walls and original substance from further decay. I see this as a protecting layer, in the manner of maintenance of the building. Lime wash will constantly be in the process of decay, and is therefore not a final removal of authenticity. The harsh climate of St. Croix means that these historical walls need
Authenticity refers to the reliablity of the building in structures, detailing and surfaces. This means the extent to which the building communicates its history through its visual apperance (Exner 2007).
Picture of close surroundings to site 02. March 2017
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Richmond Penitentiary’s identity is connected to its plan layout, which shows the original program as a prison. Although the programmatic identity of the building will change, the architectural identity as a prison will be kept visible in the layout of the complex and the repetition of cells. All cells will be kept. The new use will be accommodated with flexible interior solutions. All roofs and flooring are today totally removed or in a structural bad shape due to termites and moisture damage. These elements will be reestablished, as close to the original form and materiality as possible, to complete the buildings architectural identity. Sources of reference for reestablishing are archive photos of the building as well as studies of local architecture, restorations on Løvmand`s country schools and preservation guidelines of the Division for Archaeology and Historic Preservation (1993).
Løvmands first plan drawing for Richmond Prison, St. Croix (Landmarks Archive, St. Croix)
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Identity refers to the appearance of the building and personal character that is presented in at a sertain time. The identity of a historical building will normally change during time, due to change of use etc. (Exner 2007).
Transformation
Transformation of the site to serve as a creative community center, will be done with a process-historical approach, keeping the narrativity of the building for the future and emphasizing the identity shown in the organization of the site. Both additions and removal of volumes will be done. The narrativity of the site is seen in its additions and subtractions during history. Today the site consists of buildings and changes from 1836, 1880 and 1950. Additions from all time periods will be kept, to preserve the narrativity and show a process historical approach. Strategies for possible future additions will be developed to secure the continuation of the sites peculiar organization.
Narrativity refers to the expression of history visible for the viewer. Exner values the possibility for visitors to “read� a building in its construction, surfaces, detailing and architectural style. This includes visibility of new additions. (Exner 2007).
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Addition of volume A reintrepretation of Jailers residence will be added to the site to reestablish the strict symmetry, which is one of the main conservation values. This addition will reestablish the symmetrical sequence of keepers house - cell block - jailers residence. The addition will be designed as a reintrepretation based on Keepers house.
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Removal of volumes To accentuate the system of organisation, one building will be removed and one building will be reduced to one story.
1. The two story hospital building in the northeastern corner (1880) will be reduced to a one story building. This to create a consistent hirearchy in the layout.
Diagrammatic representation of east facade as measured, 2017
Diagrammatic representation of east facade as proposed after transformation
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2. The 1950 concrete building in the south eastern corner will be removed entirely, because of its inconsistence to the narrow space inside the perimeter wall. The building is also shadowing several cells and disrupts the otherwise clear hierarchical organisation of the site. The removal of the concrete building, makes the widest built space inside the perimeter wall to 7 meters. The strategy for future additions will be keeping within this line for a continuation of the peculiar organisation of the site.
Diagrammatic representation of plan as measured, 2017
Diagrammatic representation of plan as proposed after transformation. Area for future additions marked
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Axonometric view of site after transformation 90
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Reintrepretation
To reestablish the symmetry of the site, a reintrepretation of Jailers residence will be the only addition of volume.
rial identity of the site as well as to accomodate the climatic issues of heat, wind and rain.
The reintrepretation is done on the basis of measurements, drawings and registrations of keepers house. The different structural function of the facade elements, will be enhanced by using the brick in different angles.
A massive brick wall increases the time for sun heat to reach the interior and ventilation of the interior is done through openings in the brick facade. A vented space above the roof insulation allows heat to escape before entering the interior. Hip roof with a wooden construction is flexible in case of storm. The same roof construction will be used for the resoration of Keepers house.
The reintrepretation will be visible as a new addition, with its facade done in light bricks and wood detailing, none of which are painted or limewashed. Bricks and wood are selected to keep the mate92
Communicating the different structural elements of the facade in bricks.
Section of Keepers House Facade 1:100 - Basis for reintrepretation
Structural elements plinth - cornice pediment: Standing brick Soldier
Facade surface: Laying brick Stretcher
Stairs: Brick on edge Rowlock
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DIALOG OF EXISTING AND NEW
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PROGRAMMING Richmond and site as registered in February 2017. 96
PROGRAMMING Richmond and site as proposed after transformation - Facilitating a continuing future use of the site 97
TRANSFORMATION Plan drawing of site as registered in February 2017. 98
TRANSFORMATION Plan drawing of site as proposed after transformation 99
RESTORATION Perspective section 1:20, as registered in february 2017
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RESTORATION Perspective section 1:20, as proposed after transformation
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REINTREPRETATION Facade 1:50, restoration of Keepers House
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REINTREPRETATION Facade 1:50, reintrepretation of Jailers Residence
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SOURCES
Books
Websites
Exner, Johannes (2007). Den historiske bygnings væren på liv og død. Fortiden for tiden: Genbrugskultur og kulturgenbrug i dag. Copenhagen: Arkitektens forlag.
Arch Daily (2017) Rehabilitation of Former Prison of Palencia as Cultural CivicCenter / Exit Architects. http://www.archdaily.com/223763/rehabilitation-of-former-prison-of-palencia-as-cultural-civic%25e2%2580%258b-center-exit-architects [Accessed 30. May 2017].
Kayser Nielsen, Niels (2010). Historiens Forvandlinger. Aarhus: Aarhus Universitetsforlag
Ivision, Duncan (2017) Postcolonialism. Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/event/postcolonialism [Accessed 26. May 2017].
Kirkeby, Inge Mette. (1998). Mødet mellem nyt og gammelt. Copenhagen: Christian Ejlers´Forlag Lunn, Ulla. (2016). Stedet Fortæller. Copenhagen: Gads Forlag
Rasmussen, Lars Løkke (2017) We cannot undo the past. What we can do is to improve the future. Available at: https://www.regeringen.dk/nyheder/statsminister-lars-loekke-rasmussens-tale-ved-100-aaret-foroverdragelsen-af-de-vestindiske-øer-til-usa/ [Accessed 26. May 2017].
Articles and other publications Australia ICOMOS (2000). The Burra Charter. Deakin: Australia ICOMOS.
U.S. Department of the Interior (2017) Definitions of Insular Area Political Organizations. Available at: https://www.doi.gov/oia/islands/politicatypes [Accessed 26. May 2017].
Division of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (1993). Preservation guidelines. St. Thomas: Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Available at: http://www.stthomashistoricaltrust.org/files-forms.php [Accessed 10. April 2017]. Rezende, Elizabeth. (2017). Prison reform starts with new buildings. The Virgin Islands Daily News. January 26. pp 10-11. Schmidt, Marie Gudrun. (2017). Kunstner fra St. Croix til danskerne: Jeg mener faktisk, alle burde sige undskyld. Politiken. 9. March. Available at: http://politiken.dk/kultur/art5863591/Jeg-mener-faktisk-alle-burde-sige-undskyld [Accessed 26. May 2017]. Studio Transformation and Architectural Heritage (2016) Field Work Report. Aarhus: Aarhus School of Architecture.s
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TIMETABLE
February March April May June Studytrip - measuring and registrations on site Programming Value assessment and architectural strategy Sketching and design Project statement Presentation material
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CV
Aarhus School of Architecture 10th semester Studio 1B: Transformation of Architectural Heritage Thesis project: Transformation of Richmond Penitentiary 9th semester Studio 1B: Transformation of Architectural Heritage Restoration of “Direktørboligen” by Vilhelm Lauritzen 8th semester Studio 1B: Transformation of Architectural Heritage Transformation on St. Croix - Architecture and Craftsman School in Christiansted Study break - work experience July 2015 - January 2016 Full time B.A. at Pluskontoret Arkitekter 7th semester Studio Context Cocoon - a climate responsive pavilion in South India 6th semester Unit E Landscape intervention, Skjern Å, Denmark 5th semester Unit E Palimpsest and landscape. Research semester 4th semester Unit E Compact dwellings and urban garden, Brooklyn, New York 3rd semester Unit E Compact dwelling. Research semester 2nd semester Shelter in Moesgaard, Denmark 1st semester Case study and analysis
Awards Cocoon, Studio Context: The RIBA President’s Medals Student Awards, part 2, 2015
Voluntary work and engagements Board member - “Forum for arkitektonisk kulturarv” (June 2016--) Voluntary CAFx 2015
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