The interior space and architecture of correctional facilities are not usually thought of as factors that promote mental wellness more hints. The environment that a person inhabits has a significant impact on his or her mental state. In prison, space and lighting can have an even greater influence on the inmates’ mental state.
Imagine, for just a moment, the typical prison cell. What do your eyes see? It’s likely that you picture a small, cramped room with little or no natural lighting. Imagine an open space with natural light streaming into the room. It will cast soft shadows in the room and provide a connection with the world outside. This is like comparing a barren wasteland to an energetic park. Both places are enjoyable to walk in, but only one lifts your spirit.
Recent studies have revealed that adding more natural light in correctional areas and creating open areas can have a significant positive impact on the inmate’s behavior. It’s uplifting to feel the warmth from the sun, or look out of a window and see the sky. It’s an universal experience. A daily dose of freedom can relieve stress and ease the feeling of confinement.
Some modern facilities incorporate views into their design. Imagine the therapeutic effects of a tranquil, peaceful garden or courtyard where prisoners could meditate or work out. Such spaces are a welcome respite from prison life’s harsh realities, they promote mental health and can even help with rehabilitation.
Integration of space and lighting into prisons is more than a choice of aesthetics; it’s also a reflection on a greater understanding of human needs. Architects quietly revolutionize the way we think about incarceration by creating environments that are less restrictive and feel more natural. It’s about a change from punitiveness towards restorativeness. From confinement to nurturing. And from darkness to daylight.