Designing correctional facilities requires that you tread a fine line between the strict security of a prison and the gentler calls of rehabilitation our website. Architects must do a delicate ballet to create a space that encourages personal growth while also discouraging misconduct. It’s a bit like trying to straddle a seesaw so it stays perfectly horizontal–possible, yes, but it requires constant adjustment and an astute understanding of balance.
Imagine a space in which every element must have a dual purpose. The atmosphere must remain open and inviting, while the security is tight. In these settings, the air you breathe is heavy with the weight of responsibility–safety is paramount, but so is dignity. The challenge is to make sure the materials are strong enough to keep people from escaping, but not so robust that they scream prison.
One of the hardest things to do is integrate technology without making a facility feel like an ultra-secure fortress. We’re referring to weaving in systems of surveillance that are not intrusive but do keep an eye out, maintaining peace while ensuring a constant sense of intrusion. Inmates can benefit from communication with outsiders, but how do we achieve this without compromising necessary control?
Chat about your living spaces. You want them to be safe, yes, but also liveable. They must promote reflection, improvement and learning. Often, this is done in a small space, no bigger than an average bathroom. The design is what makes the difference.
The prison is not just indoors. Outdoor spaces are rare. They offer security but must also provide an illusion of freedom and normality. An inmate should be able to feel the sunlight on their faces without having the feeling of being confined. It takes creativity to create these spaces and a respect for the healing power of nature.