The 95th Centimetre - Interpretation Centre

Idea projektu

"Space can torture. Space can heal." The idea originates from a single shocking historical fact: prisoners were confined within partitions only 95 cm wide. The design explores how architecture affects human psychology through width, light, enclosure, scale, movement, and spatial compression. The visitor experiences architecture emotionally through changing spatial conditions: compression, isolation, confusion, reflection, and release.

Popis projektu

The proposal for the Arsenal Interpretation Centre is conceived as an architectural journey of memory, emotion, and transformation. Inspired by the historical reality of a clandestine detention centre where prisoners were confined within partitions only 95 centimetres wide, the project translates this dimension into spatial experience. The project is not treated as a conventional museum but becomes a sequence of emotional spaces where architecture communicates fear, confinement, tension, silence, resistance, and finally hope. The interpretation centre is integrated into the landscape of the Arsenal Memory Park in San Miguel de Tucumán, allowing architecture and nature to work together as instruments of remembrance and collective healing. The design uses compression vs expansion, straight lines vs curves, and fragmented journey as key concepts. Program includes arrival zone, interpretation centre, memory plaza, educational spaces, and concert hall.

Technické informace

Site is located in the metropolitan region of San Miguel de Tucumán in a hot-humid/subtropical climate with high temperature and humidity most of the year. Design strategies include orientation with long axis north-south to minimize east-west exposure, large windows and several courtyards for ventilation with open corridors, long narrow plan building forms that promote airflow and avoid compact blocks. Landscape strategy includes trees on the west side and shaded outdoor spaces. Materials are reflective and lightweight construction. Cross ventilation is highly effective with openings aligned with prevailing wind. The site features gradual contours with natural depressions for rainwater retention. Complex skylights reflecting memory are integrated into the form development. Sectional views show different forms including amphitheatre of reflection and confined tunnel-like passages.

Dokumentace

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