The Palgrave Handbook of Prison Design

This handbook provides insights into the construction of custodial facilities and the critical questions policymakers should ask when commissioning a prison site. It offers experience from Australia, Chile, Estonia, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, varying in history, development, punitive philosophies, and public discourse.

Format: Hardback
Length: 767 pages
Publication date: 04 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The Palgrave Handbook of Prison Design is a comprehensive resource that brings together expertise from diverse disciplinary perspectives and geographical contexts to address a crucial question facing prison policymakers, architects, and designers: what kind of carceral environments foster well-being and deliver rehabilitative, therapeutic, or other positive outcomes? This handbook delves into the construction of custodial facilities, while also considering the critical questions that policymakers should ask when commissioning the building of a site for human containment.

Chapters in the handbook present experiences from a range of jurisdictions, including Australia, Chile, Estonia, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These jurisdictions vary widely in terms of their history and development of prison systems, punitive philosophies, and public discourse about the role and purpose of imprisonment. By presenting insights from these diverse contexts, the handbook offers readers a rich tapestry of theories, frameworks, historical accounts, design approaches, methodological strategies, empirical research, and practical approaches to prison design.

One of the key themes explored in the handbook is the relationship between prison design and the promotion of well-being. The authors argue that carceral environments can either exacerbate or mitigate the negative effects of imprisonment, depending on their design and management. For example, some design features, such as natural light, greenery, and access to outdoor spaces, have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote physical and mental health among prisoners. On the other hand, overcrowding, poor ventilation, and limited access to resources can lead to increased violence, social isolation, and mental health problems.

Another important aspect of the handbook is the consideration of therapeutic and rehabilitative outcomes in prison design. The authors argue that prison systems should prioritize the reintegration of prisoners into society and focus on providing them with the skills and resources they need to succeed. This includes programs for education, job training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health support. By designing prisons that prioritize rehabilitation, policymakers can reduce recidivism rates, improve public safety, and promote social justice.

The handbook also explores the role of technology in prison design and management. The authors argue that technology can be used to improve security, efficiency, and the quality of life for prisoners and staff. For example, electronic monitoring systems can reduce the risk of violence and improve the management of prisoners, while video conferencing can facilitate communication between prisoners and their families and support rehabilitation programs. However, the use of technology in prison also raises ethical concerns, such as the potential for surveillance and the erosion of privacy rights.

In addition to these themes, the handbook also addresses the broader social and political implications of prison design. The authors argue that prison design should be informed by a commitment to social justice, human rights, and the reduction of inequality. This includes the recognition of the disproportionate impact of imprisonment on marginalized communities, such as Black and Latinx populations, and the need to address the root causes of crime and poverty to prevent recidivism.

Overall, The Palgrave Handbook of Prison Design is a valuable resource for policymakers, architects, and designers interested in improving the well-being and rehabilitation of prisoners. By bringing together expertise from diverse disciplinary perspectives and geographical contexts, the handbook provides a comprehensive and evidence-based understanding of the factors that contribute to successful prison design and management.

Weight: 1132g
Dimension: 217 x 157 x 53 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031119712
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023