Prison architecture used to focus mainly on keeping inmates secure and under control. But things are changing. Now, architects are reconsidering how prisons can be structured to influence behaviour positively and enhance life inside. They’re creating environments that prevent inmates from feeling like they’re just part of a system. These spaces include areas for family visits, opportunities for work and education, and places for relaxation and recreation.

Prison architecture innovations aim to balance security with humane treatment, preparing inmates for reintegration into society. It’s not just about the appearance or functionality of prisons anymore; it’s about significantly impacting the lives of those who live there. By assessing people’s needs, integrating new technologies, and promoting eco-friendly practices, architects are revolutionising prison environments. They’re redefining prison isolations into a period of personal development and offering a fresh start when inmates are ready to move forward.

The Evolution of Solitary Confinement

Solitary confinement, also known as isolation or segregation, has traditionally been used in prisons as a disciplinary measure. It involves confining an inmate to a small cell for 22 to 24 hours a day, limiting human contact and activities. However, this practice has drawn criticism for its potential to cause severe psychological harm, sparking ongoing debates on its effectiveness and ethical implications in prison management.

The concept of isolating criminals for behavioural correction was initially promoted by Quakers in the late 1700s as a compassionate method to encourage reflection on wrongdoing. By 1790, Philadelphia’s Walnut Street jail had implemented segregation for violent offenders, marking an early use in the United States. Subsequently, in the 1820s, Pennsylvania established the Eastern State Penitentiary, where solitary confinement was a central practice. This approach was also adopted internationally, sometimes as a form of torture or to suppress dissent.

Initially seen as a means for inmates to repent, solitary confinement often resulted in severe mental disorders, commonly known as ‘prison psychosis.’ Recognizing these risks, the U.S. Supreme Court acknowledged concerns in 1890, leading to a gradual reduction in its use. Critics argue that prolonged isolation can lead to significant psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and even hallucinations. The constant surveillance and lack of social interaction exacerbate these issues, raising ethical concerns about its continued application.

In response to these challenges, approaches to modern prison design increasingly emphasise human-centred principles. Efforts are now focused on creating more humane and supportive environments for incarcerated individuals, prioritising empathy and innovation. This includes experimenting with innovative prison cell layouts, integrating advanced technologies, and exploring alternative architectural models. Such approaches represent a significant shift toward addressing the complexities of prison life with dignity and respect for human rights.

The Oslo Halden Prison, Norway

Oslo Halden Prison in Norway breaks the mould of traditional jails. Rather than a bleak institution, it resembles a modern neighbourhood. Instead of cramped cells, inmates reside in small apartments equipped with private bathrooms and comfortable living areas furnished with modern amenities. Natural light floods the space, creating a homelike atmosphere.

What distinguishes Halden Prison is its deliberate design to promote calmness and concentration among its residents. The architects intentionally created an environment they believe enhances clarity of thought.. By providing inmates with accommodations that honour their dignity and independence, Halden inspires them to reflect on their choices and develop as individuals.

This approach isn’t just about improving conditions within the prison; it’s about preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society upon release. Studies indicate that Halden’s design reduces conflicts and helps prevent recidivism. It represents a progressive outlook on incarceration, highlighting respect and rehabilitation alongside security. Halden Prison exemplifies Norway’s belief in prisons as places of opportunity and transformation, rather than mere punishment.

Justice Center Leoben, Austria

The Justice Center Leoben in Austria is renowned worldwide for its luxurious amenities, comparable to those of upscale hotels. Set amidst the scenic Leoben mountains, each inmate occupies a private cell equipped with a personal bathroom, kitchenette, and television. The facility boasts recreational facilities including a basketball court and outdoor gym, alongside spacious areas for leisure and social interaction, enhanced by expansive windows offering serene vistas.

This renowned facility accommodates 205 inmates, providing comforts akin to home. Additional amenities such as a spa and gym promote physical fitness and overall well-being. Notably, this building does not house individuals convicted of serious crimes like rape, kidnapping, or murder; rather, it caters to those serving sentences for less severe offenses. The intent behind these luxurious accommodations is to develop an environment conducive to contemplation and rehabilitation for its residents.

Sonderborg State Prison, Denmark

The prison complex, housing 250 inmates across five wings including a maximum-security area, is designed as a cohesive urban community within its enclosed perimeter. Spread over 35,000 m?, the architecture features streets, squares, and centralised buildings that offer a view of the surrounding green landscape, aiming to reduce the institutional feel typical of such facilities. Architectural choices such as recessed walls and angular roof lines, coupled with materials like light-coloured bricks and composite concrete, contribute to a visually appealing and low-maintenance exterior that ages gracefully.

Internally, the emphasis on humane design continues with communal areas adorned in neutral tones to foster a calming environment. Cells, arranged in residential units of four to seven, are designed to maximise natural light and provide inmates with views of the countryside and sky. The layout ensures privacy through strategically angled windows while promoting social interaction through shared living spaces and kitchens. This approach not only enhances the well-being of inmates but also addresses safety concerns with furniture designed to minimise sharp edges and mitigate the risk of self-harm, reflecting a thoughtful integration of security and humane treatment within the prison environment.

Effective prison designs should always seek to positively influence their inhabitants. Architects and designers need to shift to human-centered prison designs that focus on the well-being and rehabilitation of inmates. They should create environments that ensure both security and dignity, aiming to minimise the use of solitary confinement.  This approach would greatly enhance prison conditions by placing emphasis on compassion and upholding human rights, thereby catalysing positive transformations in the justice system.

Sources

• https://www.detroitnews.com/picture-gallery/news/world/2019/10/10/photos-norway-different-approach-inmates-mental-illness/2423280001/
• https://www10.aeccafe.com/blogs/arch-showcase/2018/11/28/storstrom-prison-in-denmark-by-c-f-moller-architects/
• https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1265&context=architecture_tpreps
• https://www10.aeccafe.com/blogs/arch-showcase/2018/11/28/storstrom-prison-in-denmark-by-c-f-moller-architects/
• https://leaglesamiksha.com/2022/08/17/solitary-confinement-in-india/