Thinking Allowed cover image

Thinking Allowed

Architecture and Hope

Oct 1, 2024
Yvonne Jewkes, a Professor of Criminology at the University of Bath, discusses innovative prison designs that foster rehabilitation, showcasing successful examples like Norway's Halden prison. Lynne McMordie, a Research Associate at Heriot-Watt University, sheds light on the issues homeless individuals face in shelters, arguing that the communal environment often exacerbates their struggles. The conversation advocates for humane living spaces and sustainable housing solutions, emphasizing the need for respect towards individual choices in coping with homelessness.
28:11

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Prison design must focus on humane environments to enhance rehabilitation, as seen in successful models like Norway's Halden Prison.
  • The architecture of homeless shelters often worsens resident issues, underscoring the need for thoughtful design in social support structures.

Deep dives

The Impact of Prison Architecture on Rehabilitation

Prison architecture significantly influences the rehabilitation outcomes of inmates. A book titled 'The Architecture of Hope' emphasizes the importance of designing prisons as humane environments that allow for light, space, and air. For example, the Norwegian Halden Prison is often cited as a model due to its community-like atmosphere, although even it has limitations that can hinder the rehabilitation process. The call for improving prison conditions suggests that effective architecture must prioritize prisoner control over their environment to promote healing and growth.

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