Design Event in Milan: Dropcity Contests Traditional Detention Space Design with Exhibition "Prison Times"
Dropcity's latest exhibition, "Prison Times: Spatial Dynamics of Penal Environments," offers a unique exploration into the world of prison architecture and interiors. The exhibition, displayed in the dramatic space within the tunnels behind Milan Central Station, aims to serve as a tool for reflection on the conditions of prison environments and prompt discussions around space and the penal system.
The project, which includes a book, an exhibition, and a discussion programme, investigates the spaces, methods, and conditions of the contemporary prison environment. It delves into the institutional racism embedded within these penal environments through their spatial and design aspects. The research for the exhibition involved studying prison architecture and interiors in various countries, including the United States, China, and European countries.
The exhibition does not favour any particular interpretation or element over others. Instead, it presents a neutral space where visitors can contemplate the social and political implications coded into prison design. The simplicity of the installation is meant to neutralize any media manipulation or ambiguous interpretation.
The design of prison elements is subject to strict safety requirements, but the approach to design for this exhibition does not consider aesthetic factors. Instead, it focuses on evolving the typological language towards objects that are less confined to the prison imagination and more related to a domestic, everyday life context.
Each space in the exhibition is clearly defined and recognizable in relation to its specific moment in time. The exhibition is organized around a typical day in the life of incarcerated individuals. A public programme of talks, radio transmissions, and collaborations with students is planned for the following week.
The latest research in colour has led to remarkable surprises in terms of choices for the exhibition. The exhibition features a duality between furniture families and units hosting the works of various artists selected for the show. The simplicity of the installation, combined with the vibrant colours and thought-provoking artworks, creates a compelling and thought-provoking experience for visitors.
The exhibition, 'Prison Times - Spatial Dynamics of Penal Environments,' is presented by Dropcity at the architecture centre in Milan, Italy. It runs from 3 April to 31 May at Dropcity, via Giovanni Battista Sammartini, 60, 20125 Milan, Italy. This significant curatorial effort aims to abstract dozens of products and typological families, offering a fresh perspective on the often overlooked world of prison architecture and interiors.
[1] Dropcity. (2023). Prison Times: Spatial Dynamics of Penal Environments. [Exhibition Catalogue]. Milan: Dropcity. [2] Dropcity. (2023). Prison Times: Spatial Dynamics of Penal Environments. [Exhibition Press Release]. Milan: Dropcity.
[1] The book accompanying Dropcity's latest exhibition, "Prison Times: Spatial Dynamics of Penal Environments," serves as a companion for visitors, delving deeper into the exploration of prison architecture and interiors, offering insights into the intersection of interior design, lifestyle, and home-and-garden choices within penal environments.
[2] After engaging with the thought-provoking exhibition and informative catalogue, visitors may find themselves pondering the connections between prison design and their personal home and garden choices, contributing to a broader discourse about the influence of spatial dynamics on lifestyle.
