Meer en Vaart cell complex

The complete programme of the cell complex is contained within a facade of painted concrete elements, giving the block a closed and hard look, but also an expressive one. The latter was precisely what was intended, because Amsterdam-Amstelland police force is proud of its policy regarding detainees. All persons detained in custody are housed in three, centralised cell complexes, so that they can be offered good, efficient and safe care. And so the buildings should be very visible, which is one of the reasons for them being located in the city centre, along with existing police stations.
The contrast between being closed and being expressive has been worked out in great detail. The chequered plate pattern of the concrete elements developed specifically for this project, the high gloss deep blue colour, the narrow stainless steel louvres as bars and the cut-out of the compact volume at the detainee intake point all help to heighten the suspense. The exercise areas, which also serve as light shafts, are the most lively yet simultaneously the most unapproachable elements of the inside world of this building, with their smooth finished concrete walls.
The rest of the interior is mainly determined by logistics, safety and psychological factors. Each cell has a so-called techno-column with information, games and media. There are cells for claustrophobics, for observation and for families. Contact with the outside world is not allowed for detainees of course. The high windows and louvres therefore offer contact with the weather but no views. Each of the cells is a prefab concrete unit of walls and a roof. All around and above each one, there is room for the acoustic segregation and for the various installations, so that these can be maintained without disturbing the working process. With the exception of the services passageway, the exterior facade is separate from the cells, giving the impression of a prison wall. Built up of a number of shells, it is a strongly compressed version of the walled prison, and therefore a building in a building.