I came across an article on Architectural Digest.com which got me intrigued by the relationship of design and emotion. The article discusses prison design, from 'traditional' lock-up facilities to new ways of approaching design in these facilities to make them more livable. Las Colinas Women’s Detention and Reentry Facility is an example of compassionate prison design.
Fortress like
Often in rural locations
Interiors have to withstand abuse
Made from hard materials such as concrete, linoleum and steel which contributes to the large amount of noise in prisons an in turn raises stress and anxiety levels
Access to natural light is a luxury
Residentially scaled buildings clustered around exterior courtyards.
Normalized environment is meant to encourage socialization
college campuses
The floors are a warm brown and sometimes playfully patterned
Translucent green accent walls break down the scale of the cafeteria; and materials include not only concrete but also ashlar stone, cork, and wood.
Due to the facility’s podular layout, all public spaces feature large windows and an abundance of natural light.
"Design, of course, can solve many of these problems, but unfortunately, too often those who commission prisons—from counties to cities to states to the private prison industry—are more focused on cost, security, and expediency than humanity, never mind good design." Architectural Digest
A further video the discussing completed Las Colinas Women’s Detention and Reentry Facility:
Relevant Article: