Mental health within prison design has become significantly fundamental in a thriving Scandinavian architectural approach, while the Western world remains in a criminological crisis. Globally, humans experienced the mental tolls of living in isolation due to lockdown restrictions, and research has shown a direct correlation between the environment and the mental well-being of occupants. This study aims to determine how mental health in prisons is manipulated by design attributes of exceptionalist architecture for international applications. Based on literature regarding architectural mental health in criminology, case studies and interviews were conducted for analysis to establish evaluative criteria. A study of qualitative investigations demonstrated that exposure to Scandinavian design attributes controlling open space, integration with surroundings, natural materials/light, and humane care improved the cognitive effects on inmates. Results indicate that a focus on rehabilitation-driven design techniques enhance cognitive performance and resilience to mental illness of prisoners occupying a humanitarian environment. It is recommended that Western penitentiaries establish initiatives to apply established design criteria to reduce recidivism rates and national prison populations through improvements in the quality of life for inmates. Further research is required to identify variables of practical implementation of established criteria to Western prison theory.
Abstract
We have always allowed architecture to influence the way we receive, process, and respond to environmental exposure. Research regarding inmates’ mental health via architecture has been a limited topic of discussion, somewhat until recently. This paper aimed to establish and evaluate a constructive connection between the penitentiary-built environment, and the mental performance of detainees from an exceptionalist perspective. Based on the analysis of qualitative research and case studies, the author has assessed the architectural processes of Scandinavian design, along with humanitarian discussions revolving around penal living. It can be concluded that there exists a myriad of positive mental stimuli, effects, and social repercussions because of an exceptionalist approach to prison design - consisting of competent use of daylighting, spatial arrangements, access to the open circulation, biophilia and natural materials, among numerous others employed by Scandinavian practices.
This investigation has brought evidence that architects are the psychiatrists of space, where we establish a built environment that in turn works to develop and restore the body. This field of study requires considerable further research, however approaching prison design by rehabilitation has already shown a plethora of positive mental stimulus and effect advantages that improve wider society. Practice-orientated investigations in the form of case studies and interviews have shown the global applications that are taking form, along with an almost unrecognisable and refreshing attitude seen in prisoners because of Scandinavian interventions. Exceptionalist architecture has proven to be holistically advantageous for the mind and soul, producing better people through rehabilitative design. Development of these themes continues to grow, and it is conclusive that architects lead the way to establishing a more humane criminology culture.
United working criteria, formed from the findings of Lundin, Colavita, and Ramlee, along with precedents set by cultural applications (Hygge) evaluated within this paper, can be applied to alternative penal schemes for the benefits of a holistic design approach of Scandinavian exceptionalism. The evaluation of established design conventions allows us to define the rehabilitation qualities of architectural components and create a checklist for what requires alteration to improve quality of life. Following a proven, innovative structure of opening penitentiaries that is not dictated by geographical location will resolve tenacious issues that appear inescapable while approaching a humanitarian resolve.
The below table presents the essential criteria and effects Scandinavian attempts can provide to penal systems. However, the affiliated mental exposure and effects are vastly broader than those addressed.
