I recently discovered ADPSR, and now after reviewing their website and seeing some of their recent discussions I’m in awe at their work, and their platform for change. At the moment they have lots of articles speaking to prison architecture and its in-humane effects on the people who use that space. I find it wildly interesting, as I was very recently watching a documentary about American prisons and could not help but reflect on their architecture, and the absolute in-humane ways prisoners are treated, but not necessarily by the staff (that’s another topic) but by the built-environment itself. For instance, when we learn in school how much the built-environment effects our moods, state of well-being and overall helps shape who we are, I become flabbergasted at the design of these prisons.
For example, one American prison they showed on the documentary had these very bright and aggressive red walls inside one of their “pods”, a pod that held women who were mostly convicted of murder. Anyone who knows anything about color-therapy would know that in that setting a bright red wall might enhance feelings of violence and aggression and would not help the inmates to feel calm or relaxed. I question if that was intentional – to make the inmates feel more aggravated so they would get longer sentencing, and essentially make the prison more money, etc. (In the US prisons are privately owned and are really just one big business) Regardless, it is extremely un-ethical. Additionally, having little to no outside views especially of nature or of the sky, and having the same fluorescent lights stay on 24/7 never dimming or changing in color temperature are also extremely detrimental to a person’s health.
I know the discussion of prisons and prisoners is a tricky subject for some, but there’s no denying that prisons are designed to hinder a person’s quality of life rather than provide them tools and opportunities to better it. I strongly believe If we tried designing prisons like we would wellness Centre's there would be an out-standing difference in the qualities and characteristics of inmates. However, I know this is a fantasy idea and unfortunately prisons – especially in the United States - look at is a profit-making machine. It is actually sickening to really think about, and shows why socially conscious projects and projects focused on good ethics is still very current and very relevant.
I would be very proud to participate in pro – bono or socially conscious projects, and do believe it would enhance good-qualities in me as a designer.
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