|
|
       |
Home > Journal > Issue Ten > On an Asylum On an Asylum - Ryan Kennihan
Look again at the cellblock section and the detail of the cell window. From the exterior of the building, it manifest itself as a simple 3'x 3' window, probably associated with a patient's room. The size of the windows implies a certain restraint and discipline befitting the program of the institution yet, there are no bars on the windows to imply the hopelessness of a jail. The scene corroborates the publicized rationale for the placement of the building in its idyllic settings by appearing to give each patient a peaceful and uplifting view, corresponding to the desired effects on the psyche. When multiplied across the fa�ade, they begin to symbolize the field of misguided minds being restored to reason through the central figure of the Governor's house and social order that it implies. The elevation is the reformist canon in built form; the perfect monument to civil society and its enlightened ideals. Yet, behind that stone veil, one can see that the floor of the cell is significantly lower than the exterior would lead you to believe. The elevation shows the cell windows appropriately smaller than those of the Governor's house yet, at approximately the same level. The section reveals them to be 7.5 feet from the ground, hardly encouraging for the enjoyment of the country views. Yet the truly deceptive nature of this section, the instance that is fundamentally illuminating to the true intent of the architects and committees that built these structures, lies in the relationship of the window to its stone opening. The opening for the window reveals the entire frame to the exterior while on the interior, the effective size of the window is reduced by half, further pushing the interior sill height an additional 1.5 feet above the heads of the patients. The interior sill itself is curved downward to discourage any attempts at even climbing for a view of the outside world, let alone escaping. Who needs bars? The sole light in the room is provided through this half window, eight feet in the air. The only air circulation is through a six-inch vent at an equivalent level. The elevation of the door displays a similar intent; drawn, by the architects, with two large padlocks, one for the door, and one for the hatch, with no windows. This is, "the most blessed manifestation of true civilization the world can present"? The plan is the moral apparatus in its ideal form, and it was widely publicized and touted as such. The elevation fortified this viewpoint in the eyes of its observers. The section reveals the construction of the plan and fa�ade as ideological fictions.
Architectural Association of Ireland |