I am interested in the connection between psychology and design. How can the environment you are in effect you?
With this in mind, I decided to look into the design of prisons. Halden prison in Norway believes that the sentence is taking away the prisoner's freedom. Therefore the prison strives to create a more humane approach which they believe will lead to a lower re-offending rate. This approach is described in the video below.
'Everyday life shouldn't be a punishment.'Gudrum Molden, Halden prison architect at HLM Arkitektur.
How is the design in Halden is different?
Basic architecture
Layed in campus design
Access to nature helps track time
Windows
Anti-authority
Use of glass means more access to natural light
Cork and wood to muffle noise
Effects inmate and guard interaction
More in common place Europe due to money / cost, also culture?
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Cultural differences?
The below video explores two different countries approach to the Prison system.
The guards of Halden Prison asked what kind of neighbour do we really want?
In America 665 out of every 100,000 people are incarcerated vs 60 out of every 100,000 in Norway
Normality, humanity, dynamic security, emphasis on reintegration into society are the main principles.