Please note that the conference programme is subject to change. This may include speaker cancellations and last-minute speaker confirmations. If you are a speaker and cannot find your presentation listed, kindly check your email for any communications from us or contact us directly for assistance.
Wednesday 24 April
9am – 1pm EDT
Ümraniye T Type Closed Prison and Istanbul Juvenile Reformatory House (Juvenile Open Type)
Thursday 25 April
Moreover, limited research suggests that detainees are facing an increase in public health-related concerns resulting from climate change, including communicable diseases and/or acute health issues. Even though Prison authorities have developed mechanisms to cope with regular climate events, most of them are not ready to fully withstand new climatic shocks that are increasingly becoming more erratic, frequent, and intense.
Understanding which climate hazards prison authorities are facing, associated to their respective risks should allow Prison authorities to anticipate and better respond to potential impacts of climate hazards, reduce their associated risks and in turn better protect the detainee population from health hazards.
Both projects have continued to progress Australia’s forward-thinking approach to operations-led correctional design, embracing evidence-based approaches to therapeutic environments. The projects are in two different Australian states, both of which have different approaches to correctional operations, and this presentation explores how the same aims produce some similar and some different built outcomes.
Evidence based themes include Biophilia (materiality, daylight, views to nature, imitation of nature), Carceral Geography (proximity to nature, prospect and refuge theory, felt intensity and emotional geography), trauma informed design, connections to family and community, prisoner experience.
8.30am – 8.50am EDT
Welcome and Introduction
9.10am – 9.50am EDT
Towards Humane Prisons: How to Integrate the Challenge of the Climate Change? (PID041)
Towards Humane Prisons: How to Integrate the Challenge of the Climate Change? (PID041)
Plenary
People in detention frequently have heightened vulnerability to natural disasters due to spatial marginalization resulting from prison locations on environmentally hazard prone land and isolation from emergency evacuation services.
Moreover, limited research suggests that detainees are facing an increase in public health-related concerns resulting from climate change, including communicable diseases and/or acute health issues. Even though Prison authorities have developed mechanisms to cope with regular climate events, most of them are not ready to fully withstand new climatic shocks that are increasingly becoming more erratic, frequent, and intense.
Understanding which climate hazards prison authorities are facing, associated to their respective risks should allow Prison authorities to anticipate and better respond to potential impacts of climate hazards, reduce their associated risks and in turn better protect the detainee population from health hazards.
Speakers
Jean-Marc Zbinden
9.50am – 10.20am EDT
Exploring Best Practices: Comprehending UN Rules and Other International Recommendations on Prison Infrastructures (PID072)
Exploring Best Practices: Comprehending UN Rules and Other International Recommendations on Prison Infrastructures (PID072)
Plenary
This panel discussion will elaborate few key elements within the landscape of prison infrastructure through the United Nations (UN) Standards Minimum Rules (Nelson Mandela rules) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recommendations. In between theory and practical experiences, the discussion aims to explore the fundamental principles underlying these guidelines while highlighting their implications for ensuring humane conditions within correctional facilities worldwide. The panel will highlight the importance to keep a general overview and envisage prison infrastructures through a multidisciplinary lens to ensure that the infrastructures support prison operations and not the reverse.Speakers
Jean-Marc Zbinden
Els Van Herck
11am – 11.30am EDT
Using Salutogenic Design on Correctional Facilities to Improve Health & Wellbeing and Facilitate Rehabilitation (PID015)
Using Salutogenic Design on Correctional Facilities to Improve Health & Wellbeing and Facilitate Rehabilitation (PID015)
Parallel Workshops
Architecture carries great social responsibility and that is just exacerbated when talking about custodial facilities. Researchers have emphasised for years the importance of the built environment on the rehabilitation and consequent reintegration of inmates into society.
This presentation will show how the use of research-based design could guide and inform planners and designers on how the use of salutogenic architecture in custodial facilities can facilitate inmates’ rehabilitation and help the reintegration process. It will use data collection from a research project as well as case studies to show how an architecture practice in the UK have welcomed research-based design to integrate the principles of Salutogenic design into their prison projects.
This presentation will show how the use of research-based design could guide and inform planners and designers on how the use of salutogenic architecture in custodial facilities can facilitate inmates’ rehabilitation and help the reintegration process. It will use data collection from a research project as well as case studies to show how an architecture practice in the UK have welcomed research-based design to integrate the principles of Salutogenic design into their prison projects.
Moderator
Hans Meurisse
Speakers
Helena Pombares
Timothy Irons
Efficient, Secure Structural Detention Design in Prisons in Austria – ESDD (PID005)
Efficient, Secure Structural Detention Design in Prisons in Austria – ESDD (PID005)
Parallel Workshops
The objective of the ESDDP project is to take account of "normalisation efforts" in correctional facilities in Austria by developing auditable structural-technical standards based on social, economic and ecological sustainability in order to ensure safety, order and quality of care in prisons. The main research question of this project is what the best possible sustainable and auditable standards in prison design through structural and technical measures could look like in Austria in the future.
The knowledge relevant to establish auditable structural-technical standards is developed based on the status quo of 23 heterogeneous Austrian prisons, international best-practice models, and surveys of system requirements. The different needs of individual occupational groups and detainees regarding work, educational measures, recreational activities, and therapeutic offers as well as physical and mental protective factors are to be considered.
The knowledge relevant to establish auditable structural-technical standards is developed based on the status quo of 23 heterogeneous Austrian prisons, international best-practice models, and surveys of system requirements. The different needs of individual occupational groups and detainees regarding work, educational measures, recreational activities, and therapeutic offers as well as physical and mental protective factors are to be considered.
Moderator
Jonas Hviid Mønster
Benefits of Modularization for Justice Facilities: Canadian Precedents (PID046)
Benefits of Modularization for Justice Facilities: Canadian Precedents (PID046)
Parallel Workshops
This panel aims to describe the advantages of modular construction in the delivery of justice projects where rapid project delivery is a critical project criterion, in addition to resolving logistics of isolated locations, and/or mitigating labour challenges. The panel will also demonstrate the efficacy of modular construction in meeting the complex technical and security requirements of justice facilities, specifically correctional and law enforcement facilities, while simultaneously creating sustainable, humane and normative environments conducive to rehabilitation. Attendees will receive a fulsome understanding of modular construction, both technically and logistically, as well as its suitability for international correctional applications.
Moderator
Dr. Kevin Bradley
Speakers
Roberta Somlo
Robert Boraks
A New Architectural Typology for Incarceration: The Presentation of a Small-Scale and Community-Integrated Prototype (PID050)
A New Architectural Typology for Incarceration: The Presentation of a Small-Scale and Community-Integrated Prototype (PID050)
Parallel Workshops
Prisons are the physical manifestation of a societal view on human behavior. As an architectural typology, they reflect the societal ideas about the relationship between the State and the individual.
This presentation makes this concrete and tangible by presenting a prototype, designed for the city of Oslo; thus depicting how prison typologies may be rethought based on new methodological and morphological ideas. More specifically, the presented case-study investigates prison design through the use of a small scale and local context concept, where the local environment affects the design, thus providing closeness and belonging. The design background will be discussed on the basis of interviews with reference groups, drawings, images and 3D-models. In so doing, we hypothesize that case studies such as ours contribute to more sustainable planning and design, as they may provide new insights on the relationship between the physical context and user behavior and rehabilitation.
This presentation makes this concrete and tangible by presenting a prototype, designed for the city of Oslo; thus depicting how prison typologies may be rethought based on new methodological and morphological ideas. More specifically, the presented case-study investigates prison design through the use of a small scale and local context concept, where the local environment affects the design, thus providing closeness and belonging. The design background will be discussed on the basis of interviews with reference groups, drawings, images and 3D-models. In so doing, we hypothesize that case studies such as ours contribute to more sustainable planning and design, as they may provide new insights on the relationship between the physical context and user behavior and rehabilitation.
Moderator
Mark McGoldrick
Speakers
Eivind Bjørndalen
Helene De Vos
11.30am – 12pm EDT
Evidence-Based Design in Recent Australian Maximum Security Prison Projects (PID028)
Evidence-Based Design in Recent Australian Maximum Security Prison Projects (PID028)
Parallel Workshops
The recently completed Western Plains Correctional Centre and the mid-construction Southern Queensland Correctional Project (Stage 2) at Gatton are two of Australia’s three largest recent maximum security greenfield prison projects, both designed by Guymer Bailey Architects.
Both projects have continued to progress Australia’s forward-thinking approach to operations-led correctional design, embracing evidence-based approaches to therapeutic environments. The projects are in two different Australian states, both of which have different approaches to correctional operations, and this presentation explores how the same aims produce some similar and some different built outcomes.
Evidence based themes include Biophilia (materiality, daylight, views to nature, imitation of nature), Carceral Geography (proximity to nature, prospect and refuge theory, felt intensity and emotional geography), trauma informed design, connections to family and community, prisoner experience.
Moderator
Hans Meurisse
Speakers
Kavan Applegate
Craig Blewitt
CANCELLED Maintenance Challenges of Prison Infrastructure in East Africa: Case of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania (PID052)
Modular Cell Fabrication: Benefits, Value, Myths and Misunderstandings (PID060)
Modular Cell Fabrication: Benefits, Value, Myths and Misunderstandings (PID060)
Parallel Workshops
We will explore the benefits and value of Modern Offsite Cell Fabrication. We will answer why, where, when and how Modular Fabrication can and should be used. We will compare and contrast the benefits and shortcomings of both Steel Module and Prefabricated Concrete Cells. Modular construction can be used for any and all types of Justice Infrastructure. Modular construction adds value to a project through reduced cost, improved schedule, and enhanced quality. There are beliefs that modular will limit design, but we will show this not to be true. The historical view of Boxes no longer reflects the possibilities of Modular construction. We hope to broaden your knowledge, dispel the myths, and better your opinion of the value proposition of the use of modular. We want to show Designers and Owners how they can take advantage of the modern means and methods that Modular can provide.
Moderator
Dr. Kevin Bradley
Creating Better Models for Youth Facility Design (PID057)
Creating Better Models for Youth Facility Design (PID057)
Parallel Workshops
Many jurisdictions look to their adult correctional facility models as a basis for the design of their youth facilities, while the mission, purpose and program requirements for youth facilities are very different considering their unique needs and the greater ability to positively influence their lives. Contemporary purpose-built, and client-centered youth facilities should employ trauma-informed, therapeutic, and evidence-based design principles for housing, education, vocational and life skills, mental health, and other core services and programs. The buildings, their configuration and layouts should promote daily movement, and the ability of youth to have control over day-to-day living regarding activities and human interactions. Residents should be broken down into small peer groups and accommodated in small-scale, home-like settings. The session will discuss evidence-based research and provide case studies that employ trauma-informed, normalized and therapeutic design.
Moderator
Mark McGoldrick
Speakers
Rob Fisch
Dr Marayca Lopez
12pm – 12.30pm EDT
Green Spaces in Prison - Balancing Risks and Benefits (PID001)
Green Spaces in Prison - Balancing Risks and Benefits (PID001)
Parallel Workshops
It is now widely recognised that nature contact enhances human wellbeing. Prisons tend to lack extensive green spaces, and hence prisoners (and prison staff) are not able to benefit from these positive wellbeing effects. Enhancing green space in prisons is expensive and can be controversial, and changes are often challenging to make because the perceived benefits of green spaces are hard to quantify. This session discusses groundbreaking research which quantifies the benefits of green space for prisoner and staff wellbeing, draws a link between higher levels of green space and lower levels of self-harm and violence, possibly supporting better post-custody outcomes, and pinpoints the types of prison and of imprisoned population for which increased greenspace is likely to deliver the most beneficial effects. It also lays out the implications for future design strategies.
Moderator
Hans Meurisse
Speakers
Professor Dominique Moran PhD
The Overview of Prison Architecture from Past to Present and Republican Prison Architecture in Türkiye (PID019)
The Overview of Prison Architecture from Past to Present and Republican Prison Architecture in Türkiye (PID019)
Parallel Workshops
Environmental psychology defines the term environment broadly, encompassing natural environments, social settings, built environments, learning environments, and informational environments. For prisoners, the term environment refers to the living space built for them. In this paper, Berfu provides an overview of ‘Prison architecture from past to present’, ‘Some resarches regarding prison architecture’ and ‘Republican prison architecture in Türkiye’. While preparing this paper she benefitted from some researches that were conducted regarding Prison architecture, some articles regarding Turkish prison architecture and prison architecture history.
Moderator
Jonas Hviid Mønster
Speakers
Berfu Altay
The Normalization of Short Term Stay Prisons (PID054)
The Normalization of Short Term Stay Prisons (PID054)
Parallel Workshops
Normalized design is becoming a common deliverable for many designers. But what is normal prison design? Numerous facilities have been recently completed around the world which have advanced the yardsticks with respect to delivering more dignified and empowering environments that go beyond current norms, but those models are almost exclusively directed towards long term stay facilities. The presentation will explore recent Canadian prison designs which are addressing the issue of normalization within those often-ignored environments.
Moderator
Dr. Kevin Bradley
Speakers
Robert Boraks
Breaking Down the Silos of Prison Design (PID033)
Breaking Down the Silos of Prison Design (PID033)
Parallel Workshops
Convergence of technology has been a constant feature in the industry for decades. With recent progress in technology, the pace of convergence has accelerated significantly giving birth to new concepts such as ‘Smart Cities’ and ‘Smart Nations’ as well as new product types such as the Internet of Things (IoT). The correctional industry is not spared from technology convergence either. These considerations must be factored into planning and design (and retrofit) whether for cities or prisons. Like in other industries, technology in corrections can be split into two main categories: Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) and planning/design often does not rest within the domain of these two, often separate, domains. A coming together of these 3 disparate but intertwined domains is key to capitalise on the modernisation opportunity being afforded corrections.
Moderator
Mark McGoldrick
Speakers
1.30pm – 2.15pm EDT
The complexities of expanding an operating Forensic Mental Hospital, whilst implementing a new operating model (PID029)
The complexities of expanding an operating Forensic Mental Hospital, whilst implementing a new operating model (PID029)
Parallel Workshops
Guymer Bailey Architects were engaged for the expansion of the Thomas Embling Forensic Mental hospital, including a new Entrance Complex, a dedicated 34-bed Women’s unit, and a medium secure 38-bed Men’s unit in an urban multi-storey facility. Stage 3 consists of an additional 36-bed high secure unit.
Consumer representatives, comprising current and former consumers (patients) and their carers, played a vital and expansive role in this co-design process, as did extensive collaboration with the Wurundjeri Land Council, representing the Traditional Owners of the land.
The expansion is being constructed in a fully operating facility, bringing complexity in functional planning, staging, separation of secure zones, services connectivity, and ensuring sitewide healthcare delivery is uninterrupted.
Consumer representatives, comprising current and former consumers (patients) and their carers, played a vital and expansive role in this co-design process, as did extensive collaboration with the Wurundjeri Land Council, representing the Traditional Owners of the land.
The expansion is being constructed in a fully operating facility, bringing complexity in functional planning, staging, separation of secure zones, services connectivity, and ensuring sitewide healthcare delivery is uninterrupted.
Speakers
Kavan Applegate
The Evolution Within the Park of New Prisons Through a PPP (PID012)
The Evolution Within the Park of New Prisons Through a PPP (PID012)
Parallel Workshops
In Belgium, a masterplan is underway with new construction projects, which are realized through a PPP, more specifically through a DBFM (Design-Build-Finance-Maintenance).
The presentation will give an overview of all the projects, with the main focus being that this remains a living thing and that we learn from each project and we keep evolving and adapting the specifications to experience. So that we can clearly see the evolution between the start-up in 2008 and the projects that are now starting up or ongoing.
The presentation will therefore focus on:
- The evolution throughout the various projects;
- The challenge of thinking in output specifications rather than tightly imposed requirements;
- The difference in mindset between a prison via a DBFM and one under traditional management, especially for the local management and staff;
- The monitoring of the project and which themes trigger debates/discussions.
The presentation will give an overview of all the projects, with the main focus being that this remains a living thing and that we learn from each project and we keep evolving and adapting the specifications to experience. So that we can clearly see the evolution between the start-up in 2008 and the projects that are now starting up or ongoing.
The presentation will therefore focus on:
- The evolution throughout the various projects;
- The challenge of thinking in output specifications rather than tightly imposed requirements;
- The difference in mindset between a prison via a DBFM and one under traditional management, especially for the local management and staff;
- The monitoring of the project and which themes trigger debates/discussions.
Moderator
Timothy Irons
Speakers
Leen Bogaerts
The Danish Approach: How Architecture Can Promote Normalization (PID020)
The Danish Approach: How Architecture Can Promote Normalization (PID020)
Parallel Workshops
This session presents knowledge from built and ongoing architectural projects that portrays how in Denmark, Scandinavia, normalization is used as a key design parameter. The intention is to show how this parameter promotes humane corrections that strengthens the foundation for rehabilitation and resocialization in Denmark.
Speakers
Jonas Hviid Mønster
The Human Element to Sustainability: International Perspectives on Treatment and Recovery (PID059)
The Human Element to Sustainability: International Perspectives on Treatment and Recovery (PID059)
Parallel Workshops
Elevated rates of psychiatric disorders appear to be relatively universal across prison systems. From Uganda to the United States, from India to Norway, people entering prisons are more likely than others to suffer from psychiatric disorders. Emerging science suggests that the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders across cultures reflects substantial similarity, specifically around the role of childhood trauma and adversity.
This presentation reviews international literature on rates of psychiatric disorders in prisons and rates of epidemiological correlates. The session is organized around purpose-built design, including study of those who enter prisons, the services they require, and spaces necessary to deliver care. Case studies from around the world examine how psychiatric disorders can be treated in minimalist settings, such as those found in low- and middle-income countries, and how wealthier nations are setting new standards for treatment of prisoners.
This presentation reviews international literature on rates of psychiatric disorders in prisons and rates of epidemiological correlates. The session is organized around purpose-built design, including study of those who enter prisons, the services they require, and spaces necessary to deliver care. Case studies from around the world examine how psychiatric disorders can be treated in minimalist settings, such as those found in low- and middle-income countries, and how wealthier nations are setting new standards for treatment of prisoners.
Speakers
Dr. Robin Timme
Steven Helfand
2.15pm – 3pm EDT
Limerick Women’s Prison, A Design for Hope (PID024)
Limerick Women’s Prison, A Design for Hope (PID024)
Parallel Workshops
In 2016, the IPS began a process to deliver a standalone facility for female prisoners in Limerick to replace the 19th century facilities that had been used for almost 300 years.
The new women’s facility would be designed for the particular needs of women with a clear focus on normalisation and rehabilitation.
Designers were asked to think about what “Architecture of Hope” would look like and to imagine that a female relative of theirs was to be accommodated in the facility.
Opened in 2023 and with a light, bright, open reception area, spacious living spaces and no bars on any of the large windows, the new facility is nothing like the old Limerick prison where women were held in dark austere cells built in 1821.
Moving away from the traditional security-centred design the architects have has delivered a facility that provided for a normative environment.
The facility provides a mix of accommodation types from single bedroom, apartment style accommodation and mother and baby units.
The new women’s facility would be designed for the particular needs of women with a clear focus on normalisation and rehabilitation.
Designers were asked to think about what “Architecture of Hope” would look like and to imagine that a female relative of theirs was to be accommodated in the facility.
Opened in 2023 and with a light, bright, open reception area, spacious living spaces and no bars on any of the large windows, the new facility is nothing like the old Limerick prison where women were held in dark austere cells built in 1821.
Moving away from the traditional security-centred design the architects have has delivered a facility that provided for a normative environment.
The facility provides a mix of accommodation types from single bedroom, apartment style accommodation and mother and baby units.
Speakers
Mark McGoldrick
Bringing Light to Prison Design (PID008)
Bringing Light to Prison Design (PID008)
Parallel Workshops
This session addresses the overlooked yet critical impact of lighting conditions on inmate and staff well-being in prison settings, providing actionable insights for prison designers. Drawing from established research in environmental psychology, it emphasizes light's role in influencing mood, cognition, and behaviour. Highlighting the biological connection between light and psycho-biological performance, discovered in 2002, the study underscores the need for tailored lighting solutions in prisons. It critiques existing norms, emphasizing the prevalence of suboptimal artificial lighting and the oversight of circadian needs. Preliminary data from a Chilean prison exemplifies insufficient natural light. The findings stress the importance of nuanced lighting design, urging consideration for illuminance, spectral composition, and timing to enhance inmate rehabilitation and psychological outcomes
Moderator
Timothy Irons
Speakers
Dr Alberto Urrutia-Moldes
Proportional Justice (PID023)
Proportional Justice (PID023)
Parallel Workshops
Presenting the findings from his Churchill Fellowship which involved visiting prisons across Scandinavia and Europe, architect, Alex Newman will draw upon and summerise the best of what he saw. Prisons visited include Halden Prison Norway, Holmsheidi Prison Iceland, and Anstalten Prison in Nuuk, Greenland.
Quality of space and environment with its impact on creating a therapeutic environment will be focussed upon. Along with a review of biophilic design principals, access to natural light and good acoustics the discussion will centre around the importance of good volumetric design.
The quality and environment created by a well-proportioned space or by contrast the immediate human reaction to a bad one and how this relates to trauma-informed design principals will be explored referencing facilities inspected and other examples in Australia.
The presentation will summarise his Churchill report including key recommendations which could be considered at a design and operational level.
Quality of space and environment with its impact on creating a therapeutic environment will be focussed upon. Along with a review of biophilic design principals, access to natural light and good acoustics the discussion will centre around the importance of good volumetric design.
The quality and environment created by a well-proportioned space or by contrast the immediate human reaction to a bad one and how this relates to trauma-informed design principals will be explored referencing facilities inspected and other examples in Australia.
The presentation will summarise his Churchill report including key recommendations which could be considered at a design and operational level.
Speakers
Alex Newman
Designing for Rehabilitation – EuroPris Real Estate Expert Group (PID042)
Designing for Rehabilitation – EuroPris Real Estate Expert Group (PID042)
Parallel Workshops
Designing for Rehabilitation was produced by the EuroPris Real Estate expert group and offers an insight into how some very simple, low cost design considerations can go a long way to improving mood and well-being. The report evidences design considerations that can have a positive impact on mental and physical well-being and the factors that help create a calm environment, prevent institutionalism and promote opportunities for rehabilitation.
Speakers
Tony McDonnell
3.30pm – 4.15pm EDT
The Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre Redevelopment – Using Architecture to Help Drive Change in Challenging Environments (PID009)
The Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre Redevelopment – Using Architecture to Help Drive Change in Challenging Environments (PID009)
Plenary
The Kurlana Tapa Youth Justice Centre in Adelaide, South Australia, is a modern campus-style facility. In 2021, Totalspace Design in association with Guymer Bailey Architects, were commissioned to consider the design of a new 12-bed accommodation that provided enhanced facilities to cater for young people who were not responding to the programs and support currently available at the site.
In this presentation, Sarah Paddick will explore the evolution of the design and the resulting buildings, reflecting on the successes and missed opportunities of what was an ambitious project. She will share ideas about the challenges of trying to effect positive change in environments where often risk mitigation and security take precedence without question, and she will discuss approaches for staff engagement and “bringing people on the journey”.
Sarah will also describe the involvement of South Australian artist, David Booth, a Wuggera man now living in Peramangk (Adelaide Hills) country who worked with the design team to weave art and stories into the architecture and landscape.
In this presentation, Sarah Paddick will explore the evolution of the design and the resulting buildings, reflecting on the successes and missed opportunities of what was an ambitious project. She will share ideas about the challenges of trying to effect positive change in environments where often risk mitigation and security take precedence without question, and she will discuss approaches for staff engagement and “bringing people on the journey”.
Sarah will also describe the involvement of South Australian artist, David Booth, a Wuggera man now living in Peramangk (Adelaide Hills) country who worked with the design team to weave art and stories into the architecture and landscape.
Moderator
Dr Marayca Lopez
Speakers
Sarah Paddick FRAIA
4.15pm – 5pm EDT
From Penitentiary to Correctional Facilities: Change and Continuity in Modern Penal Institutions and Their Architecture (PID069)
From Penitentiary to Correctional Facilities: Change and Continuity in Modern Penal Institutions and Their Architecture (PID069)
Plenary
From the last quarter of XVIIIth century to the first quarter of the recent century, the mentality of corrective punishment and the consequent practice of imprisonment remained
at the center of modern penal law. Beginning in North American with the design of cellular penitentiaries and in UK with reformist prisons, modern penal institutions of imprisonment
had become in time a global phenomenon. In spite of the relative gap between the penal reformers and the çivil society about what punishment and a place of imprisonment should
look like, the modern history of prisons has always been a search for better and more effective solutions in terms of penal systems and architecture of penal institutions.
This paper aims to shed light on changes and continuities in the execution of the punishment of imprisonment all around the globe with special emphasis on North America
and Europe including Türkiye. Early examples of modern prison buildings will be compared with contemporary models of high security prisons and correctional facilities supported by
high-tech surveillance and monitoring systems. As the host of a remarkable reform project in penal institutions, the case of Türkiye will be presented as an attempt to merge international criteria with local needs and culture. In this regard, global trends in penal architecture will be discussed to give ground to future projections in this sector.
at the center of modern penal law. Beginning in North American with the design of cellular penitentiaries and in UK with reformist prisons, modern penal institutions of imprisonment
had become in time a global phenomenon. In spite of the relative gap between the penal reformers and the çivil society about what punishment and a place of imprisonment should
look like, the modern history of prisons has always been a search for better and more effective solutions in terms of penal systems and architecture of penal institutions.
This paper aims to shed light on changes and continuities in the execution of the punishment of imprisonment all around the globe with special emphasis on North America
and Europe including Türkiye. Early examples of modern prison buildings will be compared with contemporary models of high security prisons and correctional facilities supported by
high-tech surveillance and monitoring systems. As the host of a remarkable reform project in penal institutions, the case of Türkiye will be presented as an attempt to merge international criteria with local needs and culture. In this regard, global trends in penal architecture will be discussed to give ground to future projections in this sector.
Moderator
Dr Marayca Lopez
Speakers
Gültekin YILDIZ
6.30pm – 9pm EDT
Istanbul Historical Turkish Music Ensemble Whirling Dervish Performance in Yenikapı Lodge used by Mevlevi Dervishes
Friday 26 April
The research includes a study of available literature and analysis by sustainable design specialists to establish the thermal context and performance of existing facilities; anecdotal evidence from state-based Corrective Agencies on the risk of extreme temperatures to prisoner behaviour, staff well-being and operating costs and discussion with inhouse prison design specialists to outline design interventions that improve thermal performance and mitigate disruptive behaviour in carceral environments.
9am – 9.15am EDT
IPIC Talks
Enhanced Correctional Outcomes with lesser manpower through infrastructural design and technology (PID071)
Exploring the Impact of the Physical Space on Therapeutic Processes: A Rapid Evidence Assessment (PID043)
Exploring the Impact of the Physical Space on Therapeutic Processes: A Rapid Evidence Assessment (PID043)
Parallel Workshops
Research suggests a therapy room's condition impacts clients perceptions of their practitioner’s competence, and quality of care (Nasar & Devlin, 2011; Miwa & Hanyu, 2006). It can also impact therapeutic relationships, comfort and engagement (Sinclair, 2020). Research in prisons and general forensic practice in this area is scant, despite the challenges facing prison interventions being widely acknowledged (Farrant, 2012; Tite, 2013). The current REA evaluated evidence from forensic and psychotherapy literature to inform recommendations for delivering rehabilitative prison interventions. A Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was undertaken to synthesise findings from qualitative and quantitative research. The results indicated that physical space impacts therapeutic relationships, engagement, feelings of safety and comfort, and feelings of connectedness. Several recommendations are offered for simple and low-cost changes that can improve the space were prison interventions are delivered.
Moderator Tony McDonnell, Head of Infrastructure & Asset Management, Northern Ireland Prison Service, Northern Ireland
Speakers
Rudi Singh BSc MSc PgDip
CANCELLED The Built Environment in Kamiti Maximum Prison in Nairobi, Kenya: A Characterization (PID051)
9.45am – 10.15am EDT
Innovative Approaches to Physical Space in Prisons (PID014)
CANCELLED Technological Advancements in Correctional Facilities: Enhancing Sustainability and Optimizing Outcomes (PID039)
At the Intersection of Treatment and Design; How the Built Environment Can Improve Patient Outcomes & Help Retain Staff (PID056)
At the Intersection of Treatment and Design; How the Built Environment Can Improve Patient Outcomes & Help Retain Staff (PID056)
Parallel Workshops
Correctional facilities were not designed to be medical and mental health treatment centres, but in many regards, that is one of the primary functions that they serve today. Because they are being used for a purpose for which they were not originally designed for, it is often difficult to provide the normalizing and therapeutic care that the clients require.
Buildings by their very nature send both subtle and overt messages to the people who occupy them. They can inspire, educate, comfort, and support. However, they can also degrade, frighten, confine, and traumatize. This session will focus on that intersection of treatment and design. Through the discussion of how using contemporary concepts of purposeful design, participants will gain an appreciation of how design can influence positive patient outcomes, as well as improving staff recruitment and retention.
Buildings by their very nature send both subtle and overt messages to the people who occupy them. They can inspire, educate, comfort, and support. However, they can also degrade, frighten, confine, and traumatize. This session will focus on that intersection of treatment and design. Through the discussion of how using contemporary concepts of purposeful design, participants will gain an appreciation of how design can influence positive patient outcomes, as well as improving staff recruitment and retention.
Moderator Tony McDonnell, Head of Infrastructure & Asset Management, Northern Ireland Prison Service, Northern Ireland
Speakers
Dave Redemske
CANCELLED Promoting Psychological Well-Being of Prisoners at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Nairobi County, Kenya (PID048)
10.15am – 10.45am EDT
Prison Facilities as the Work Environment for Correction Officers (PID058)
Prison Facilities as the Work Environment for Correction Officers (PID058)
Parallel Workshops
Since the dynamics of the criminal justice system differ through countries, the challenges of the detention facilities go through changes. However, it would be fair to say that design principles of prison facilities are determined on the basis of detention and surveillance of inmates but not considered as a work environment for correction officers who serves. Accordingly, this presentation focuses on prison environment as the workplace of correctional officers and aims to explore the spatial design conditions to provide supportive surroundings for officers. Accordingly, this work discusses spatial considerations under three titles: common-social areas, semi-private break areas and individual space.
Moderator Hatice Kübra Gökçimen
Speakers
Seda Arslan Ph.D.
Cemal Bilir
Thermal Performance - A Catalyst for Behavioural Change (PID022)
Thermal Performance - A Catalyst for Behavioural Change (PID022)
Parallel Workshops
With the threat of escalating extreme temperatures and their proven adverse impact on peoples’ physical and mental health; capital investment in the thermal performance of carceral infrastructure offers an immediate and effective baseline to mitigate risk and provide humane and sustainable custodial care.
The research includes a study of available literature and analysis by sustainable design specialists to establish the thermal context and performance of existing facilities; anecdotal evidence from state-based Corrective Agencies on the risk of extreme temperatures to prisoner behaviour, staff well-being and operating costs and discussion with inhouse prison design specialists to outline design interventions that improve thermal performance and mitigate disruptive behaviour in carceral environments.
Moderator Els Van Herck, Ministry of Justice, Belgium
Speakers
Samantha Rouche
CANCELLED The complexities of expanding an operating Forensic Mental Hospital, whilst implementing a new operating model (PID029)
11.15am – 12pm EDT
Crafting Change: Sustainable Facility Improvement in Thai Prisons through Decentralization and Alternative Funding (PID021)
Crafting Change: Sustainable Facility Improvement in Thai Prisons through Decentralization and Alternative Funding (PID021)
Plenary
This session addresses budget issues in Thai correctional institutions. We take a decentralized approach to facility renovation by encouraging material donations of salvageable construction waste from accessible construction sites and manufacturers. In return, the approach provides tax incentives and helps reduce the disposal costs of donating companies. Additionally, prisoners with construction skills can actively participate in improving the facility, earning merit credits for goodwill behavior and skill development of fellow inmates. The qualitative instrumental case study highlights successful system improvements that eliminate unnecessary dependence on the central budget through decentralized processes. The results demonstrate the success of the collaboration and illustrate the social, ecological, and educational benefits.
Moderator Sarah Paddick, Senior Associate Architecture, Grieve Gillett Architects, Australia
Speakers
Sunaree Lawanyawatna
12pm – 12.45pm EDT
Aligning Prison Design with Technology Integration (PID070)
Aligning Prison Design with Technology Integration (PID070)
Plenary
The IPIC panel discussion, inspired by the insights of two EuroPris expert groups (Real Estate and ICT), will discover the critical role that Information and Communication Technology plays in the operation of our Prisons and the factors that need to be considered to ensure its effective operation. Our panelists, including global and European experts, will explore the challenges and opportunities ICT integration presents in prisons. They will examine the strategic integration of ICT infrastructure within the design of our prisons, identifying the collaboration needed between architects/real estate professionals and IT experts to realize long lasting and sustainable solutions.
They will debate the need for ICT solutions that are tailored to a Prisons unique architectural and operational needs, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and legal compliance. This panel discussion aims to highlight innovative ways of modernizing prison infrastructure in the context of technological integration.
The panel discussions and conversations that generate from them will provide an opportunity to feed into a prison ICT guideline paper, an approach for new and existing facilities – currently being jointly drafted by two EuroPris expert groups (Real Estate and ICT). This guidance document will examine the variation in ICT adoption across Europe, and then assess the economic, technological, and legislative factors that have led to this, and discuss the implications for both existing and new prison buildings. By presenting a structured approach to ICT implementation across technical, procedural, and legislative dimensions, the paper advocates for a transformation in prison systems that is innovative and aligned with ethical and legal standards. The IPIC conference provides a great opportunity to add a global perspective to those views being formed within Europe.
Speakers
Enes Sedić
Hubert Unger
Eric Besson
Lee Edney
Dr Marayca Lopez
12.45pm – 1pm EDT
IPIC Talks
2pm – 2.45pm EDT
Building a Sustainable Future: Integrating Adaptive Learning and Community Interaction in the New Prison in Samoranovo (PID025)
Building a Sustainable Future: Integrating Adaptive Learning and Community Interaction in the New Prison in Samoranovo (PID025)
Parallel Workshops
The New Samoranovo prison is designed to support rehabilitation and benefit the surrounding neighbourhood by repurposing abandoned buildings, allowing for future expansion, and implementing windows without bars. The prison offers recreational activities and green spaces for gardening. An integrated school with local teachers provides tailored education for inmates, while the Staff Training Centre offers continuous learning courses on mental health support, rehabilitation techniques, and conflict resolution. Halfway Houses provide a more independent living environment for prisoners nearing their sentence, while a Social Center connects inmates with the local community. The construction incorporates local materials, labor, and waste reuse to support the local economy and reduce environmental impact.
Moderator Bernie Warner, Senior Correctional Expert, Falcon, United States
Speakers
Bozhidar Hinkov
Nadya Radkovska
Innovative Prison Establishments of Preparation for Release Within the French Penitentiary Real Estate Program (PID006)
Innovative Prison Establishments of Preparation for Release Within the French Penitentiary Real Estate Program (PID006)
Parallel Workshops
Within its prison real estate program of 15,000 additional detention places, France creates around 2,250 places in innovative prison establishments, preparing for release (SAS).
The SAS are dedicated for convicted prisoners whose remaining sentence is less than two years. Their aim is to better support theses detainees with a view to their social reintegration, than in current prisons.
These structures are located in urban areas with a real concern for integration into their environment. They are organised around small accommodation units and many collective spaces for activities and daily life. Their functionality is mainly based on the autonomy and empowerment of inmates.
The SAS constitute a new type of prison establishment, in which, due to less prison-like architecture, quality of interior and exterior spaces, and place of vegetation, they offer better conditions of life for detained people and of work for staff.
Delivery of the majority of these structures is scheduled for 2024.
The SAS are dedicated for convicted prisoners whose remaining sentence is less than two years. Their aim is to better support theses detainees with a view to their social reintegration, than in current prisons.
These structures are located in urban areas with a real concern for integration into their environment. They are organised around small accommodation units and many collective spaces for activities and daily life. Their functionality is mainly based on the autonomy and empowerment of inmates.
The SAS constitute a new type of prison establishment, in which, due to less prison-like architecture, quality of interior and exterior spaces, and place of vegetation, they offer better conditions of life for detained people and of work for staff.
Delivery of the majority of these structures is scheduled for 2024.
Moderator Eric Sedić, Ministry of Justice and Public Administration, Croatia
Speakers
Eric Besson
Uniting Form and Function to Optimize Maternal and Child Development Within a Prison Nursery Setting (PID010)
Uniting Form and Function to Optimize Maternal and Child Development Within a Prison Nursery Setting (PID010)
Parallel Workshops
In biology/medicine, it is recognized that an organism’s behavior can be shaped by its environment. Similarly, in architecture, optimizing function is a key objective in the design of an environment.
In this presentation, Dr Jack Turman PhD, and Architect, Ms. Sarah Paddick, will display and discuss the collaborative process used to design an early childhood education space for a prison nursery in Honduras.
Participants will observe, and engage with the speakers as they work together to design a space that will allow for: early childhood education of children across the 0–48-month spectrum, child development assessment, and maternal education and assessment. Presenting an overview of the design process, they will incorporate key maternal and child development principles, the economic constraints of Honduras, the cultural context, and the challenge of serving mother/child pairs that are affiliated with rival criminal networks.
In this presentation, Dr Jack Turman PhD, and Architect, Ms. Sarah Paddick, will display and discuss the collaborative process used to design an early childhood education space for a prison nursery in Honduras.
Participants will observe, and engage with the speakers as they work together to design a space that will allow for: early childhood education of children across the 0–48-month spectrum, child development assessment, and maternal education and assessment. Presenting an overview of the design process, they will incorporate key maternal and child development principles, the economic constraints of Honduras, the cultural context, and the challenge of serving mother/child pairs that are affiliated with rival criminal networks.
Moderator Dr Marayca Lopez, Lead Justice Planner, DLR Group, United States
Speakers
Dr. Jack Turman
Sarah Paddick FRAIA
"Right-Sizing" Correctional Facilities (PID053)
"Right-Sizing" Correctional Facilities (PID053)
Parallel Workshops
The topic of right-sizing facilities is often subject to conflicting views on the use of incarceration and the societal role of correctional facilities. A consensus-based process begins with a broad system view of what drives decision-making on capacity and purpose and considers factors such as societal values, politics, costs, and the use of alternatives to incarceration. A deeper look into the planning process applies the operational philosophy to housing accommodation in each unit and the programs and services needed to support the population. Example facilities range from high-rise urban jails to rural campuses, some with thousands of beds. Options include breaking down large populations into smaller buildings, as well as “communities” with shared support among smaller populations, addressing unique population needs. The session speakers will address the facility planning process used in North America, as well as approaches used in countries across Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Moderator Jesper Dyreborg, Unit Manager, Danish Prison and Probation Service, Denmark
Speakers
Rob Fisch
Dr Stefan LoBuglio
2.45pm – 3.30pm EDT
The Qualities of Citizenship Inside: Findings of PhD Research into Correctional Built Environment Design (PID027)
The Qualities of Citizenship Inside: Findings of PhD Research into Correctional Built Environment Design (PID027)
Parallel Workshops
Being able to see yourself as a citizen and having an ongoing (productive) role in society is key to successful reintegration from prison back into community. Mandrup (Budds 2017) says if Architects designing prisons hold this view then designing to facilitate citizenship is the model of correctional design to pursue.
Designing ‘normal’ environments is a widely held ideal for the design of modern prison environments with their role in returning functioning citizens to our communities but, what understanding of this is holds relevance and what should it look and be like? This presentation presents and discusses the findings of a lived-experience research project investigating the meaning of citizenship in prison architecture in Australia from 2016 to 2021.
Designing ‘normal’ environments is a widely held ideal for the design of modern prison environments with their role in returning functioning citizens to our communities but, what understanding of this is holds relevance and what should it look and be like? This presentation presents and discusses the findings of a lived-experience research project investigating the meaning of citizenship in prison architecture in Australia from 2016 to 2021.
Moderator Bernie Warner, Senior Correctional Expert, Falcon, United States
Speakers
Dr. Kevin Bradley
Humane Surroundings & Normalization in Visitor Facilities - Special Focus on Creating Child-Friendly Visitor Facilities (PID064)
Humane Surroundings & Normalization in Visitor Facilities - Special Focus on Creating Child-Friendly Visitor Facilities (PID064)
Parallel Workshops
In addition to the research within the health system on the importance of architecture for the therapeutic environment, the Danish Prison and Probation Service works based on experience to create humane and "normal" environments to support both a good and motivating prison environment for the inmates and a good working environment for the staff. This applies, among other things, to the work of designing the visitor facilities, where there is a particular focus on ensuring that both children and adults have a good experience.
Moderator Eric Sedić, Ministry of Justice and Public Administration, Croatia
Speakers
Jesper Dyreborg
Isabella Kleivan
Mother-Child Units for Children Staying with Incarcerated Mothers (PID013)
Mother-Child Units for Children Staying with Incarcerated Mothers (PID013)
Parallel Workshops
To ensure the continuation of children's lives in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and national and international legislation on children's rights, children's development progresses on par with their peers during their stay in prisons, it is considered important to provide child-friendly living units for children who are staying with their mothers in prison.
As a solution to ensure the fulfillment of the needs of both mothers and children and to prevent any potential negative impact of prisons on children, the establishment of the following has been undertaken; Mother-child units, Mother-child friendly areas, Preschool facilities and Playgrounds. Each unit comprises 6 sections, each equipped with 8 rooms designed to accommodate a mother and child, resulting in a total capacity of 48 mother-child pairs. Within the unit, there are: kitchen, common area and a ventilation garden, 2 play corners, KIOKS device, balcony, washing and drying machine.
As a solution to ensure the fulfillment of the needs of both mothers and children and to prevent any potential negative impact of prisons on children, the establishment of the following has been undertaken; Mother-child units, Mother-child friendly areas, Preschool facilities and Playgrounds. Each unit comprises 6 sections, each equipped with 8 rooms designed to accommodate a mother and child, resulting in a total capacity of 48 mother-child pairs. Within the unit, there are: kitchen, common area and a ventilation garden, 2 play corners, KIOKS device, balcony, washing and drying machine.
Moderator Dr Marayca Lopez, Lead Justice Planner, DLR Group, United States
Speakers
Hüseyin Şık PhD
A New Facility Prototype Based on a Fundamental Reconceptualization of Correctional Theory and Precepts (PID040)
A New Facility Prototype Based on a Fundamental Reconceptualization of Correctional Theory and Precepts (PID040)
Parallel Workshops
All architectural prototypes across history are based on concepts, precepts, and theories. How have they played out the designs that architects have produced? What were the results or outcomes that resulted from such prototypes?
A fundamental reevaluation of correctional theory is long overdue.
A fundamental reevaluation of correctional theory is long overdue.
The result is a new prototype facility for incarceration, appropriate for both pre-trial and post-sentenced populations.
However, this presentation will take this much further. Theoretical prototypes face barriers to adoption. They must survive a high-stake decision calculus within high-risk political environments. For this reason, a comparison to a state-of-the-art facility design identical in all important aspects will be undertaken. The comparison will evaluate both proposals transparently across the full range of criteria that normally establish the scope and mission of facilities being procured.
Moderator Jesper Dyreborg, Unit Manager, Danish Prison and Probation Service, Denmark
Speakers
Hugh Lester PhD.
4pm – 4.45pm EDT
Project Vista - A Collaborative Cross Sector Initiative That Works Toward a Normalized Journey in Correctional and Reentry Facilities Across America (PID036)
Project Vista - A Collaborative Cross Sector Initiative That Works Toward a Normalized Journey in Correctional and Reentry Facilities Across America (PID036)
Plenary
Working toward a consistently humane correctional environment and one that reflects life in the free world, Lana Sandas and Andrew Dye‐ leads of CoreCivic’s normalization think tank, Project Vista- will share their journey of adapting and trialing key normalization design principles in secure and reentry facilities across America.
Through ongoing collaboration with current residents, the formerly incarcerated, and international designers and thought leaders, a spectrum of change, ranging from cosmetic type upgrades to radical re-design and construction, will be shared as well as resident and staff feedback.
Moderator Sarah Paddick, Senior Associate Architecture, Grieve Gillet Architects, Australia
Speakers
