The Barcelona Model: A Changing Historical Monument

The historic prison architecture of the Model

Inaugurated at the end of the 19th century, the Barcelona Prison, known as La Model, stands as a testimony to the prison architecture of historicism. The architects Salvador Vinyals and Josep Domènech i Estapà designed this prison following the principles of the panopticon system, an innovative idea at the time, proposed by the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham. This architectural model was characterized by its radial shape and included a central tower, allowing constant surveillance of prisoners from a central point, a principle known as the "jail model" or "model prison".

La Model: A charged and dark story

Throughout the 20th century, La Model established itself as the main Barcelona prison and became infamous under the Franco regime, symbolizing the repression of the time. Political prisoners and trade unionists have been incarcerated there for prolonged periods, often suffering harsh detention conditions. This is also where the sad fate of Salvador Puig Antich played out in 1974, the latter having been executed by means of the "strangler cord", marking one of the last executions of the dictatorship . His story was brought to the screen by Barcelona director Manuel Huerga in the film “Salvador”.

La Model today: Towards an urban renaissance

Barcelona's model prison is currently undergoing profound change. The project to dismantle the Model prison will offer the New Left Part of the Eixample district a significant transformation. The inhabitants of Barcelona will benefit from a large plot of land which will be redeveloped into green spaces and public infrastructure, such as a nursery, a day residence for the elderly and a sports complex. This redevelopment is a remarkable example of urban evolution, where historically imposing structures can be reimagined for community well-being and use.

The future of the old prison: heritage and the community

The Model de Barcelona is not simply a building in transition; she is the symbol of a painful past and a promising future. As the neighborhood prepares to welcome new spaces for its residents, La Model will continue to serve as a historical reminder, while fostering a more inclusive and vibrant environment for the current population. The prison, once a place of oppression, is transformed into a place of freedom and life, a significant turning point for the city and its inhabitants.

Conclusion: The Model, a heritage preserved and reinvented

The La Model de Barcelona represents a striking link between Barcelona's past and present. As demolition and renovation work progresses, this notable historic building is poised to begin a new chapter. By revisiting the legacy of La Model, Barcelona expresses its respect for the lessons of history while adapting its urban spaces to contemporary needs. The metamorphosis of this historic prison into a center of life and leisure marks a new stage for the city, which honors its memory while evolving towards the future.