Reimagining the Institution: The North Seattle Police Precinct

Abstract

Seattle Police Precincts are typical of 19th century institutional building types that are no longer representative of the policies and population they are required to support. While official practices of law and order have begun to change to adapt to current public needs, the buildings that house these institutions have not. This thesis argues that architecture can play a role in creating a new identity for the Seattle Police Department that reflects current policing model by promoting transparency and accessibility in the design of police precincts. The intent of this investigation is to raise awareness of the complexity in the issue facing contemporary society.