Storström's maximum security prison claims to be "the most humane in the world," although how humanity is calculated is anyone's guess. Zaha Hadid, responding to reproaches in cooperation with regimes violating human rights, explained that she builds public buildings for the people in such countries, since rulers come and go, while she would not design a prison even for the most democratic state. Architects C. F. Møller, when asked about their creation of a place of detention, also has an explanation: according to them, the role of their bureau in maintaining the structure of the democratic welfare state, which is Denmark, including its legal system, obliges them to work on any type of building that this system needs, including a prison.
Storström is a complex of low-rise buildings that blend into the surrounding rural landscape - despite the six-meter perimeter fence. As a high-security facility, security was a key concern of the architects, including the psychological comfort of the guards, who sometimes work under intense pressure.
But no less important was the topic of the rehabilitation of prisoners, who are sometimes completely non-socialized - they almost did not go to school and do not know how to shop in the store (there is a school, a store, a church and prayer rooms in the complex). For their well-being, the interiors received natural light and views outward: for example, in each cell there is a small window and another one, at its full height - however, other “inhabitants” will not be able to look there, which prevents secret negotiations between prisoners and at the same time protects their privacy …
The area of each cell is about 13 m2, its complex plan with a curved wall at the same time enlivens the interior and allows the guard from the door to look around the room with one glance. The cells have a bathroom with shower, refrigerator, TV, etc. Each 4-7 cells are collected in a cluster with a common kitchen and living room, each of the four ordinary residential buildings has its own fitness room, in the increased severity regime building, where, among other things, prisoners are physically separated from the guards, there are two gyms In the buildings, the guards use the same corridors, prisoners have open access to their workplaces - although "security rooms" and special passages in case of a riot have also been made). The prison also has a football field and a large gym.
The settlement-style layout is designed to create a more comfortable atmosphere, a sense of human scale and diversity for prisoners and staff than one large building. The cladding of the facade made of bricks, concrete and steel, which “age” beautifully, works of art, different quality and material of paving, and landscaping, serve the same purpose.
In addition to the five buildings with cameras, the complex has a staff building, a gate building, workshops, a building for activities and a department for visitors.
The layout of the prison is flexible enough so as not to become outdated in the event of possible changes in the principles of operation of such institutions or in society as a whole.
