Pre-War Greek “Open” Prisons: A Dynamic Spatial Condition

Abstract

The article explores the unique nature of pre-war Greek agricultural prisons, arguing that these settlements offered a
progressive spatial condition to the enclosed communities. In contrast to Foucault's model of central control and
isolation, these prisons incorporated agricultural work and open-air spaces, aiming for rehabilitation through: a)
connection with the natural environment and b) assigning responsibilities to the inmates. As Yi-Fu Tuan suggests, we
cross-examine conceptual, built, and experienced spaces to explore "...how abstract ideas develop out of those given
directly to the body...". Following a qualitative research method, we examine three aspects of prison space: space
defined by the legal system, the built space, the lived space. We present findings on the built structures and life
within them, concluding with how culture of enclosed societies contributes to a state's legal and political civilization.
We highlight these places as valuable heritage deserving further interdisciplinary investigation by architecture,
criminology and anthropology.