the ArtificiAl cAstAwAy islAnd

062864Far from the untouched Pacific Ocean 500 km west of San Francisco, a lone island is constructed out of concrete and steel where 90 prisoners are stranded in. Embraced by nature, one’s survival is determined by tracking the seasonal variation of sun paths, noticing the slightest difference in oceanic blues, the flocking of birds, the migration of fish.

This very specific location is where California Current passes through, bringing extensive upwelling of nutrients from sub-surface waters, producing an abundance bloom of algae forest in spring, which contributes as the primary source of food for sardine, anchovies, hake, jack mackerel.

Sitting on top is a cultivated island with natural phenomenon being amplified by designed instruments. The artificial nature is both punishment and rehabilitation means to prisoners. Fish Aggregating Device performed by the platform’s foundation is an artificial reef that gives shelter to fish populations. The highly reflective parabolic Solar Device is angled to reflect and focus sunlight of specific days in spring, providing more than abundant solar energy to favour algae growth. This extensive mirror surface also stands as a mysterious visual object, vertically projects the seasonal hues of the sea that marks the time of the year which connects with the working routine of prisoners – fishing. Earthy brown is fertilization period in early spring. Greenish blue comes with algae bloom. Summer blue marks the harvesting time. Winter grey is accompanied with repairing works

The complex is arranged in a concentric manner, with a fish farm situated at the centre. Ground level is the main work and activity zone. Solar Device at the north houses a factory and several storage spaces on lower floors and staff quarters on the top. Prison cells are tilted southward to allow maximum solar penetration into the farm. Two rows or sections of basic cells are slightly off alignment to leave openings to the Solar Device as well as the outer sea at both sides of the cells, surrounded by the natural and synthetic natures.

site

California

North Equatorial

Equatorial Counter

South Equatorial

Peru

South Pacific

GF Plan 1F PlanBF Plan 2F Plan 3F Plan Roof Plan

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Entrance HallVisiting AreaAdministrationHealthcare FacilitySupervisor’s RoomSafe CellFish FarmCovered GroundDinning AreaRecreational AreaBasketball CourtFactory and Freezer Shower and Cleaning Cupboard

Entrance Hall 32m2

Visiting Area 37m2

Administration 90m2

Healthcare Facility 61m2

Supervisor’s Room 92m2

Safe Cell 22m2

Dinning Area 221m2

Recreational Area 169m2

Factory and Freezer 288m2

Faith’s Facility 31m2

Education Facility 46m2

Prison Cell (1st Section) 270m2

Prison Cell (2nd Section) 286m2

General Storage 270m2

Detention Room (1st Section) 58m2

Detention Room (2nd Section)59m2 Staff Accommodation 140m2

Control and Security 50m2

Shower and Cleaning Cupboard 169m2

Laundry 147m2

Kitchen 170m2

Refuse Area 165m2

Waste Treatmentand Organic Waste Storage 173m2

Plant Room 245m2

Faith’s FacilityEducation FacilityPrison CellShower and Cleaning Cupboard

LaundryKitchenRefuse AreaWaste Treatment and Organic Waste StoragePlant RoomLoading Bay

Prison CellGeneral StorageShower and Cleaning Cupboard

Detention Room (2nd Section)Staff AccommodationShower and Cleaning Cupboard Sun angle in Spring Equinox

173o 19March

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Skeleton Skin Cell Fertilization Solar AbundanceSolar Reflection Algae Bloom Harvest

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