Correctional Facility Pöschwies

Schemen

The story of Pöschwies continues: The valuable existing fabric – composed of autonomous living environments, each made up of diverse elements and areas – is respected and carefully further developed. The design aims to create something new from the existing order and to ensure the connection between the existing structures and the extension. The expanded facility once again reflects society’s understanding of the rehabilitation and integration of inmates.

The existing and the new remain clearly legible. With this urban-planning approach, the design consistently carries forward the pioneering spirit of the Pöschwies correctional facility while simultaneously demonstrating what a contemporary penal system can achieve. In response to the expansion and increasing densification of the complex, the project introduces differentiated new buildings. Subtle differences in the organization and design of these new buildings and their surrounding open spaces—as well as the organically evolved contrast between old and new—create a discreet yet authentic variety of experiences. In this way, both inmates and staff alike benefit from improved wayfinding, the preservation of a humane environment, and a diverse, participatory living world.

Phasing

Competition | 2024

Client

Canton Zürich

Architecture

HILDEBRAND
Hootsmans Architectuurbureau
Itten Brechbühl

Competition Team

Stefan Amann, Laura Bruscia (PL), Giovanni Böwer, Thomas Hildebrand, Axel Schmidt

Planning

Key Data

Procedure | Study Contract
Surface | 26’500 m² GFA
Volume | 86’700 m³ GVA
Budget | 360 M CHF

Visualisation

visualtonic