Within the two-year project, the structural and technical conditions of the former 23 Austrian prisons were analysed to develop standards for modern and sustainable prison design. The significant structural diversity-ranging from new buildings to listed historic structures-has so far posed a challenge for implementing uniform modernization measures.
Nine selected prisons were examined in detail using qualitative methods, on-site inspections, and plan analyses. The focus was placed on the needs of all user groups: management, staff, and inmates.
Based on the findings, a catalogue of measures and practical planning recommendations was developed. Key areas of emphasis included wellbeing, prison design, green spaces, digitalisation, and social spaces.
Furthermore, a dedicated study of unaccompanied pathways was conducted, providing deeper insight into the spatial and organizational structures of Austrian prisons. This study focused on the specific use case of ‘unaccompanied paths’ to investigate factors and dependencies influencing the implementation of this concept. The aim was to categorise the interactions of these factors, identify dependencies, and clarify the responsibilities of decision-makers regarding resocialisation and sustainable security.
Moderated by Steve Carter, Deputy Chair, Planning and Design Network, ICPA, United States
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Dr Hildegard Sint
Academic Staff and Research, University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna, Austria
Since 2019, Hildegard Sint has been a full-time lecturer and researcher at the Department of Building and Design at the University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna, teaching on the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Architecture – Green Building. Her work focuses on interdisciplinary methods, participatory design, and critical engagement with building typologies and precarious housing. Hildegard Sint leads and participates in research projects on architecture and security, has published widely, and organises academic events. She is also responsible for coordinating the international exchange of academic staff and students.
