Chilean architect Emilio Marin of Oficina de Arquitectura has designed this entry for a competition to redesign ‘Cultural Park Valparaiso’ in Chile.

The existing former prison will be converted into a modern cultural center.

‘The building is not an object is a constant succession of relationships. What matters is not man’s relationship with the object, but what happens between them.’

The program of Emilio Marin’s proposal, which won the 3rd prize, is planned as a series of geometric spaces. The relations between these are filtered through the space which are not built, these gaps are green courtyards, small outdoor areas separating themselves from the prison.

The prison was supposed to be restructured incorporating a system of metal frames to support the original load bearing wall system, this would have created the possibility of openings on the first level.

Some information about the competition in general:

‘After eight years of failed initiatives and community opposition to different proposals for the beloved building, Valparaiso’s Ministry of Public Works decided to hold an open contest, to receive proposals concerning the building’s fate.

The winning plan was selected on March 20 from more than 100 submitted proposals. The committee of 11 judges (including architects, citizen groups and a former inmate) sought a design which incorporated an esplanade for common space with the preservation of the ‘El Polvorín’ and ‘El Pabellón,’ the historical gun powder storeroom and corridor of prison cells, respectively.

The winners are four architects from the Universidad Católica of Santiago: Jonathan Holmes, Martín Labbé, Carolina Portugueis, and Osvaldo Spichiger. Not only will they mastermind the transformation of the site, they are also recipients of a prize of US$20,438.

Exactly one year ago, in the early morning hours of March 21, the community center was temporarily evacuated and shut down by police and government officials, causing outrage in the community.

At that time the renovation project was in the hands of famed Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, who drew up two proposals. As reported in El Ciudadano, Niemeyer’s project was greatly opposed by the community because it did not ‘fit with’ Valparaíso, and there was resentment that the change was coming from outside of the community. Niemeyer’s plans were for a massive, modern structure that would be built around the ‘Polvorín,’ incorporating it into its interior museum style.

The new plan for ‘Parque Cultural’ includes a theater for 300 people, an auditorium for 150 people, a library, a cafeteria, parking spaces and space for merchants. The former prison cells will be available daily for workshops and art classes.

The proposed renovations will begin later this year and are anticipated to be completed by 2011. The first step will be to redesign the use of the prison cells, without altering the ‘essence’ of the building. Access to the main esplanade will be expanded, which will eliminate some graffiti art and murals located outside the building. Many community members would like to see the graffiti preserved, but the city has not given any details on the fate of the art.

The project will cost US$12 million and will involve working on 6,700 square meters of space.’

The winners:

1st Prize: Jonathan Holmes, Martin Labbé, Carolina Portugueis, Osvaldo Spichiger

2nd Prize: Mardones, Garcés, Ortiz, Ropert, Costa

3rd Prize: Emilio Marin + Paisajes Emergentes + equipo Emilio Marin + Landscapes Emerging + team

To see more proposals visit: www.flickr.com.

For further background information about this competition read the whole article here.

Related posts:

1. Altamirano Walk Public Furniture // Valparaíso // Chile // Oficina De Arquitectura
2. Winner Chosen In Northwich Vision Cultural Center Competition
3. Cultural Centre // Bodo // Norway // Langdon Reis Zahn
4. Casa De Retiro Espiritual // Andalusia // Spain // Emilio Ambasz
5. The Art Fund Pavilion Architecture Competition Launchend