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The site for this project is an existing 40 hectare institutional site, cleared of an existing women's prison , with the exception of two buildings , which were maintained and renovated as part of the Youth Centre. Eight new buildings have been added to the site to provide services to 192 youth offenders , 32 girls and 160 boys, aged 12 to 17 years old. Over 300 staff members, volunteers, family members and visitors complete the population of the Centre. The project is an inversion of the existing institutional model. At the RMYC, the iconic free standing prison Wall disappears into the facades of the buildings and defines the progression from public to private spaces. All of the mass of the buildings is behind the crenulated garden Wall with the exception of the MultiFaith Worship Centre. It is the only building circumambulated by a public plaza, highlighting its role as a place of refuge and contemplation.
Steel was essential for this project. It was used for its architectural expressions, structure, colour, finishes, and profile properties. It was also the obvious choice for sustainable construction, including local production and delivery and recycled content.
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