Negotiating Space and Sovereignty in the Russian Empire: Finnish Katajanokka (Nokka) Prison in the 19th Century

This chapter examines the development of prison architecture in 19th-century Finland, focusing on the Nokka Prison in Helsinki within the context of Finnish autonomy under the Russian Empire. It explores the interplay between official and marginalized narratives, highlighting how Finland’s unique administrative and budgetary autonomy facilitated progressive penal reforms. The analysis integrates Michel Foucault’s theoretical insights on the evolution of punishment from physical spectacles to surveillance and control, examining how these shifts influenced urban development and societal dynamics. David Garland extends this idea by arguing that punishment is deeply embedded within social structures and cultural practices, reflecting broader societal values and power dynamics. The chapter also contrasts Finnish penal reforms with those in Russia, using the “Kresty” prison in St. Petersburg as a comparative case. By investigating the intersections of penal culture, urban planning, and political autonomy, this study provides a nuanced understanding of how urban spaces are contested and shaped amidst geopolitical and social currents.