Hydroelectric Waterfall Prison Margot Krasojevic
Margot Krasojevic shared with us his proposal for Hydroelectric Waterfall Prison. The prison is located in the Pacific Ocean close to the Canadian coastline. The main program is a sustainable prison which acts as a hydroelectric power station. Constructed of steel reinforced concrete, it’s vertical structure consists of a floating tension-leg platform tethered to the seabed eliminating most vertical movement, with depths up to 2,000m.
Courtesy of Margot Krasojevic
The concrete support is connected to 4-column semi-submersibles further stabilised by floating Tyson turbines. The prison consists of a series of cantilevered loops creating an even weight distributed throughout the rig. The contained prison surface is made from a web of reinforced steel elements embedded within holographic filtered glass panels, superimposing views of life inside and views out of the prison, this depth of field creates a surreal environments which gives the illusion of boundary-less architecture, a kaleidoscopic panopticon.
Deep ocean water is pumped up into the main concrete structure and distributed through the nozzle carbon fibre clad cantilevered surface. The surface choreographs the amount of pressure and water to fall onto the turbines below, in turn controlling the amount of electricity generated. Floating Tyson turbines turn a shaft when water falls onto them, in turn the shaft housed within the primary concrete structure powers an electrical generator located in the artificial cliff-side. Underwater cables run the electrical power to the mainland.
Prisoner cells are lined with semi transparent optical mirror which provides superimposed views into and through the cells, giving the illusion of an open plan space. The continuous loop of cells distribute weight evenly across the cantilevered ramp. Ocean water that is pumped through the cladding screens views and camouflages the prison when the turbines are operated.
Courtesy of Margot Krasojevic
The central circulation spiral staircase connects the heli-pad to the artificial cliff-side generator, it acts as a base from which to observe the inmates. Helicopters are only allowed to land when the Hydroelectric generators are shut down.
