BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this dissertation report ARCHITECTURE FOR

INCARCERATION is the bonafide work of SNEHA LAKSHMI (RRN:

130101601034) who carried out the dissertation work under my supervision.

Certified further, that to the best of my knowledge the work reported herein does

not form part of any other thesis report or dissertation on the basis of which a

degree or award was conferred on an earlier occasion on this or any other

candidate.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
AR. S.M.THILAKAVATHI PROF. G.JAYALAKSHMI
SUPERVISOR DEAN OF THE DEPARTMENT

Assistant Professor Professor & Dean

Crescent School of Architecture Crescent School of Architecture
B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent
University University
Vandalur, Chennai – 600 048. Vandalur, Chennai – 600 048.

i
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Ar. G.Jayalakshmi, Dean Of Crescent

School Of Architecture, for constantly supporting us throughout the project
work. I sincerely thank my project guide Ar. S.M.Thilakavathi, Assistant
professor, Crescent School of Architecture, for responding to all my doubts and
offering me technical guidance along with much needed encouragement.

I am thankful to our internal panel members Ar. G.Jayalakshmi, Dean of

Crescent School of Architecture, and Dissertation Coordinators- Ar.Jansi
Rani.B, Assistant Professor, Ar.Dhivya R.K , Assistant Professor, Crescent
School of Architecture
I also thank the entire teaching and non-teaching faculty of the Department of
Architecture for their valuable support and motivation.

ii
 ABSTRACT

Environments for human habitation must be carefully designed to fulfill the

needs of the intended occupants. There is no exception when addressing
correctional institution design. This dissertation is presented on prison typology
to explore what impact design has on the psychology of its users. High
recidivism rates in Indian prisons show that our current system is not working.
Learning from the effects of the environmental psychology of design,
architectural spatial influences can have a positive effect on the rehabilitation of
inmates. A collaborative approach between designers and environmental
psychologists has the potential to lead to a powerful approach to reformative
architecture for correctional institutions.

The initial hypothesis is that by creating this new prison typology, through
designing quality spaces benefiting a reflective environment, recidivism rates
can be reduced, and a more successful rehabilitation infrastructure can
accomplished through architecture. The purpose of this research is to
understand and address the fundamental needs of a prison system, and analyze
what improvements can be made to the system through architectural and interior
design. Local, national and global precedents will be studied to gain perspective
on various design solutions.

The research will be balanced with an in-depth study into the psychology of the
environment and its effect on human behavior. This research will aid in
addressing what is the architect’s social responsibility in prison design and will
develop and deepen this body of knowledge to improve design solutions that
may used as a new typology of correctional architecture

iii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER NO TITLE PAGE NO

ABSTRACT iii
LIST OF TABLE vii
LIST OF FIGURES vii

CHAPTER 1 1

1.1: INTRODUCTION 1

1.2. AIM: 2

1.3. OBJECTIVES: 2

1.4. SCOPE & LIMITATION: 2

1. 5 . METHODOLOGY: 3

1.6: SOURCES OF LITERATURE IDENTIFIED: 3

1.7: ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES: 4

CHAPTER 2 5

2.1. HISTORY OF PRISON TYPOLOGY: 5

2.1.1. PANOPTICAN DESIGN: 5
2.1.2 .RADIAL DESIGN: 7
2.1.3. NEW WAVE PRISON: 9
2.1.4. TELEPHONE POLE LAYOUT: 10
iv
 2.1.5.NEW GENERATION PRISON: 11

CHAPTER 3 14

3.1: CORRECTIONAL SPACES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF

INMATES 14
3.1.1. KEY DESIGN FACTORS TO CONSIDER: 14

TABLE 3.1. COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS OF THE KEY DESIGN FACTORS FOR

A HUMANE PRISON ENVIRONMENT: 23

CHAPTER 4 26

4.1: INTERNATIONAL. LITERATURE STUDIES 26

4.1.1. HILARY COTTAM – THE LEARNING PRISON 26

4.1.2. MALMESBURY CORRECTIONAL CENTRE 34

4.1.2.1. BACKGROUND: 34
4.1.2.2. ANALYSIS: 34

CHAPTER 5 41

5.1: INDIAN LITERATURE STUDIES 41

5.1.1: THIHAR JAIL, NEW DELHI 41
5.1.2: JAIPUR CENTRAL JAIL 49

CHAPTER 6 54

6.1. OPEN PRISON- AN OVERVIEW: 54

CHAPTER 7 57

7.1. COMPARITIVE ANALYIS OF THE LITERTAURE STUDIES: 57

v
CHAPTER 8 63

8.1. INFERENCE: 63
8.1.1. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS: 63
8.1.2: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR A HUMANE PRISON DESIGN: 73
8.1.3. CONCLUSION: 76

CHAPTER 9 78

9.1. REFERENCE: 78

vi
LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 3.1 COMPARITIVE ANALYSES OF THE KEY

29
DESIGN FACTORS FOR A HUMANE
PRISON ENVIRONMENT
TABLE 7.1 COMPARITIVE ANALYIS OF THE
63
LITERTAURE STUDIES

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1.1.1 plan and elevation of New gate prison, London. 13

Figure 2.1.2.1 View of the Pentoville prison 14

Figure 2.1.4.1 Plan of Wormwood scrubs prison,London. 15
Figure 2.1.5.1 Site plan of HMP Woodhill prison,UK. 16
Figure 2.1.5.2 Dayroom- Woodhill prison,UK. 17

Figure 3.1.1.2.1 View of the watch tower in PANOPTICAN prison 20

Figure 3.1.1.2.2 Example of direct supervision in the common room 21

Figure 3.1.1.3.1 Mobilong Prison 23

Figure 3.1.1.4.3.1 Kaala Pani Prison,India 25

Figure 3.1.1.4.3.2 Halden prison, Norway 25

Figure 3.1.1.4.5.1 Woodhill prison,UK 27

Figure 3.1.1.4.5.1 Woodhill prison,UK 27

Figure 3.1.1.4.5.3 Kaala Pani Prison 27

vii
Figure 4.1.1.1.1 An aerial view of the Learning 33

Figure 4.1.1.2.1 Sectional analysis of Hilary cottam 34

Figure 4.1.1.2.2 Circulation study of a single Unit 35

Figure 4.1.1.2.3 Layout of the Prison cell 35

Figure 4.1.1.2.4 Site Layout of Learning prison, USA. 37

Figure 4.1.1.2.5 Comparison of the movement pattern 38

Figure 4.1.2.2.1: Site plan of Malmesbury correctional centre 41

Figure 4.1.2.2.2: Front View kept at human scale 42

at Malmesbury Correctional centre

Figure 4.1.2.2.3 Dayroom, Malmesbury correctional centre 43

Figure 4.1.2.2.6 Inside control room in cell unit/’pod 45

Figure 5.1.1.2.1 Site zoning of thihar jail 48

Figure 5.1.1.4.1 An enclosed ward of Thihar Jail 51

Figure 5.1.1.5.1 Opening dining room, Thihar jail 51

Figure 5.1.1.6.1 Levels of security, Thihar Jail 52

Figure 5.1.1.6.2 Security gate, Thihar Jail 53

Figure 5.1.2.1 Location map of Jaipur Jail 55

Figure 5.1.2.1 Zoning of Jaipur Jail, Rajasthan 57

Figure 8.1.1.1.1 Analysis of types of planning 70

Figure 8.1.1.2.1 Zoning and spatial organization of prison design 73

Figure 8.1.1.3.1.1 Hierarchy of zoning according to inmates 75

Figure 8.1.1.3.1.1.1 Specifications for single and shared cells 76

viii
Figure 8.1.1.3.1.2.1 Specifications for Dormitories 76

Figure 8.1.1.3.1.3.1 Specifications for Toilets 77

Figure 8.1.1.3.1.4.1 Specifications for sharing/bathing facilities 77

ix
 INTRODUCTION

1.1: INTRODUCTION

“Crime is the outcome of a diseased mind and jail must have an

environment of hospital for treatment and care- Mahatma Gandhi”

We continue moulding spaces for our purposes, and they will continue to affect
us. The social, psychological and moral consequences that result from the
manipulation of the built environment ought to be explored so that our spaces
interact with the users and the environment. There are instances where this
relationship is adversely used to maximize negative effects. A prison or jail is a
facility for the imprisonment of persons in lawful detention, especially persons
convicted of crimes, where individuals are confined forcibly and denied freedom
in many aspects. Where the design of the space is a constant reminder of
captivity and imprisonment to the inmates.

These prisons have been one of the most neglected sectors in terms of
architecture. Most of the prisons in our country have been functioning the way
they used to since the British times, with the numbers of crimes increasing by
the day, the criminal count is increasing too. Rehabilitation does not seem to be
well attained due to persistent crimes committed by the convicted persons even
after being punished and rehabilitated formerly. There is therefore a constant
cycle between the committers of crime and society, and it doesn’t end when they
are put in prison, to put an end to this vicious cycle, . Prison architecture needs
to be therapeutic community which needs to bring back the human needs of the
inmates. Prisons may be performing their duty today by punishing criminals, but
what needs to be assessed is what design approach works best with inmate
psychology. Should the shift be towards “reformation” and “rehabilitation”? The

1
purpose of this dissertation is to determine how the architecture of a prison
affects the inmates psychologically, socially and physically.

1.2. AIM:

To understand and address the fundamental needs of a prison system, and

analyze what improvements can be made to the system through architecture.

1.3. OBJECTIVES:

 Analysing quality spaces in prison typology benefiting a reflective

environment, recidivism rates can be reduced, and a more successful
rehabilitation infrastructure can accomplished through architectural and
interior design.
 in-depth study into the psychology of the environment and its effect on
human behaviour in Relation to connection to nature, breaking of scale,
colours and materials and natural light

1.4. SCOPE & LIMITATION:

Social forces, economic forces and physical forces affect the life of an inmate.
This study focuses only on the impact of architectural quality on rehabilitation of
the inmate. The study confines to analysis of literature studies due to the
inaccessibility of Indian prisons for case studies.

2
1. 5 . METHODOLOGY:

1.6: SOURCES OF LITERATURE IDENTIFIED:

1. HILARY COTTAM – THE LEARNING PRISON

2. MALMESBURY CORRECTIONAL CENTRE
3. THIHAR JAIL, NEW DELHI
4. JAIPUR CENTRAL DANISH STATE PRISON

1.7: ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES:

3
This research will aid in addressing what is the architect’s social responsibility in
prison design and will develop and deepen this body of knowledge to improve
design solutions that may used as a new typology of correctional architecture in
India.

4
5
 CHAPTER 2

2.1. HISTORY OF PRISON TYPOLOGY:

A defining characteristic of early jails and prisons was the lack of control in
regards to how inmates interacted with one another. In general, inmates were
housed without any regard to classification or threats they poses to one another.
For the prison administration, safety and internal security were of the biggest
concern, and achieved by constant inspection. We assess the success or failure
of building elements in fulfilling goals of penal architecture from the perspective
of administration and the effect on inmates.
This chapter focuses on tracing the gradual rise of prison design as an
architectural specialty

2.1.1. PANOPTICAN DESIGN:

Linear rows of congregate cells found in most facilities allowed guards to clearly
see the front of the cells by looking down a long row, however this left significant
gaps in the line of site between guards and inmates because they could not see
what was going on inside the cells unless they were very close .The lack of
programs or other goals for early structures is reflected in the simplicity of their
design, usually consisting of a series of group cells, often arranged in no
systematic pattern, or simply disposed around interior courtyards.

An example of this would be London’s Newgate Prison built in 1769, where

most of the inmates were kept in a series of large rooms arranged around three
courtyards, forming a central square and two smaller flanking squares. Lax
administration allowed prisoners to shake down one another and there was
almost no supervision.

There were three basic forms that the overall plan of a prison exhibited. These
included simple rectangular and nonradial plans, circular or polygonal plans, or
radial plans. These variations were not due to the architects aesthetic values.
6
Rather, the geometry and plan of the facilities both represent and are
determined by differing concepts of the nature of institutional operations and,
more specifically, the nature of security

Figure 2.1.1.1: plan and elevation of Newgate prison,London.

The oldest facilities tended to use nonradial layouts, usually rectangular in

shape, such as London’s Newgate Prison
The rectangular design largely depended on the strength of its barriers to
maintain control, which kept inmates away from contact with staff but did not
protect inmates from one another. These designs also did not provide sight lines
that facilitated surveillance with inmates.

Of the circular and polygonal shaped prisons, the most widely known and
discussed would be the Panopticon, although few have actually been built.
Panoptic facilities rely on the complete visual access of the inmates living
quarters by the guards. The facility is circular with vertical floors of cells around
an atrium, and a central guard tower for optimum viewing.
The driving concept is that visual surveillance is the key element of security, as
bad behavior can only take place out of site, and everything is in a site line. The

7
disadvantage is that is does not easily support classification or Segregation
schemes and limits options providing inmates with secure access to fresh air.

These were characterized by centralized tall observation towers, strategic

placement of observatory agents and a clear dominance in the spaces assigned
to authorities. Such surveillance is especially evident in radial organizations.
Most had a pronounced gateway that acted as a mediating zone between the
public realm of the outside society and the inner workings of the inmate world.
This design appears to have had a negative impact on the physical and mental
well-being of the inmates due to the severe lack of privacy. Moreover, staff and
prisoners relationships were likely to be detached due to the physical distance
between them as a result of the design.
This weak relationship would consequently be detrimental to the inmate’s
rehabilitation progression aspositive relationships between the staff and the
inmate are deemed fundamental to the smooth functioning of the facility.

2.1.2 .RADIAL DESIGN:

In the radial design, prisoners would be held in cells in long galleries, radiating
from a central point. This allowed efficient monitoring of inmates from the central
core. HMP Pentonville was constructed in 1842 and was the first UK radial
prison.

Each cell had a small window providing natural light and ventilation. Ducts
flowed throughout the cells allowing heating and cross ventilation which
improved inmate’s health .It is therefore evident that radial designs were able to
improve the quality of life by making internal conditions safer and more humane,
lowering the risk of diseases.
Moreover, the advantages of the radial wing design were abundant in the
nineteenth century, for a single officer standing in the centre could, by moving
his head through 180 degrees, observe each of the four wings in turn. This

8
suggests the design provided a secure environment for the inmates with
maximum observation for the staff such that incidents could be identified and
reached quickly

All spaces flow to and from a centralized area, making it easy to organize
separate units to segregate different types of groups of inmates and provide for
efficient use of staff and resources.
This planed and intentional segregation will allow for positive social interaction
with in groups stratifications without unnecessary conflict.
The staff could easily see along the long corridors and into the large rooms and
yards, but far corners were often out of sight and sound. Staff was limited to
seeing inside the cells only when they performed their scheduled walking tours.
This has been termed in the modern context, linear intermittent surveillance
,because the inspection is predictable and not constant, the inmates are
able to avoid the guards as they have the time and the warning to change their
behavior before the guards come into sight. This is a very important issue not
only in social settings, but also inmate safety such as suicide.

Figure 2.1.2.1: View of the Pentoville prison

9
2.1.3. NEW WAVE PRISON:

In 1959, the government commissioned the White Paper Penal Practice in a

Changing Society to deal with the increasing problems in the prison system and
the rising population.

HMP Blundeston was one of the first new wave prisons to be built in England
which rejected the traditional Victorian radial design. The plan of the prison
consists of four four-storied T-shaped cell blocks with floored landings, arranged
around a central common service block. It appears to take inspiration from the
radial design layout due to the central core which is key for staff observation and
control.
The cells at HMP Blundeston were of a smaller design than the traditional cells
as it was anticipated that prisoners would spend less times in their cells as they
would be partaking in work activities conducive to their rehabilitation. However,
by the late 1980s the problems with the 1960s wing type had been recognized. It
was expensive to staff, it made staff and inmates feel vulnerable in the spurs,
and it lacked air and light in the corridors. This evidence suggests that the
prison design wasn’t conducive to the rehabilitation progress due to the security
issues as well as the lack of air and light which would have had a negative
impact on the inmate’s wellbeing. Adequate ventilation and lighting, including
access to daylight, are among the basic elements required to ensure the health
and well-being of detainees. However, the introduction of rehabilitation
schemes was proactive and positive in comparison to HMP Bentonville ’s silent
methods of reforming which can be seen as reactive and ineffective

2.1.4. TELEPHONE POLE LAYOUT:

The telephone plan, a plan that uses a direct line of sight in direct supervision
models, became very popular because they allowed for controlled movement,
the layout allowed for more light within the cells, and also provided connections

10
between programs and buildings. They also had the benefits of providing easy
separation of inmates through classifications, simpler supervision, and
Relatively easy expansion

Figure 2.1.4.1: Plan of Wormwood scrubs prison,London.

Wormwood scrubs prison, London , the plan consists of four parallel blocks
connected by a long roofed arcade allowing staff to maintain movement of
inmates easily. The plan allows optimal sunlight avoid dark corners, each cell
window looks out to a exterior zone designated for individual blocks use.

2.1.5.NEW GENERATION PRISON:

The new generation prisons were similar in approach to the new wave prisons
which preceded them in the sense that they both encouraged closer staff and
prisoner relations. However, staff and operations tended to be the main focus of
the new generation prisons.
HMP Woodhill opened in 1992 and it was the first new generation prison in the
UK. The purpose of the prison was to provide a secure and caring environment
with a positive regime and to encourage the development of the staff and
inmates and provide support within a safe, orderly work culture

11
Figure 2.1.5.1: Site plan of HMP Woodhill prison,UK.

Groups of cells were arranged in four levels around multi-use communal areas
and avoided the use of long grey corridors. Sanitation and windows were
present in each cell which helped ventilate the spaces. The interiors were
designed to be light and airy, suitable acoustics and materials were included to
diminish noise levels. Staff could control inmates less conspicuously and were
able to foster
better personal
relationships

Figure 2.1.5.2: Dayroom- Woodhill prison,UK.

On reflection, it is evident that the central goal of prisons and their historical
design has always been to punish, maintain control and keep the public safe.
The contribution of prison architecture over the past 50 years, with very few
expectations have been largely negative. Each change as been justified with a
new philosophy or change, but the actual connection between policy and design
is much more difficult to establish. Little attention has been paid to the effects
that incarceration has on prisoners and their overall wellbeing, rehabilitation and
reintegration into society.

The most fundamental design change of the last 30 years has been a switch
between radial layouts to direct supervision “new generation layout” where great
12
degree of inmate- staff contact is encouraged which has caused far reaching
physiological and security implications for both inmates and staff, some even
preferred the mutual antipathy of the older prison

Prison design has changed from primarily punishment to a mixture of

punishment and rehabilitation in order to allow the prisoners to reform, lower
their chance of reoffending and improve their prospects of reintegrating
successfully into society

13
 CHAPTER 3

3.1: CORRECTIONAL SPACES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF

INMATES

This chapter addresses research and theory related to issues of tangible space,
interpersonal organizational issues of management and design. I discuss about
how the facility is shaped, space is planned and how rules and limitations are
devised and preserved. In addition to territoriality and personal space, I also
highlight the issues of crowding and isolation as it sheds light upon how interiors
and landscape of a correctional institution are designed keeping these issues in
mind.

3.1.1. KEY DESIGN FACTORS TO CONSIDER:

3.1.1.1. LOCATION:

The prison should have reasonable proximity to, have close connections with
which the prisoners have their closest ties. Prisons isolated from the community
is not desired, which makes it more difficult for the staff , it must not be forgotten
that the officials need amenities like housing, shops, school leisure activities that
a normal community offers, the design, zone and circulation of prison take into
possibility of providing support space outside the prison perimeter
THE VISITORS AND OUTSIDE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
The visitor’s should never be required to wait out in open exposed to the
weather, before being Shepherded into a dingy hall. There should be a visitor’s
centre, which safe children play room, lavatories. The visiting hall itself should
be well lit, comfortable with simple furnishings to make to create a relaxed
environment for the visitors; visits should boost the confidence of the inmates
instead of resulting in bad behavior. Visiting booths, when required for security
to be designed so far possible to reduce the tension
14
3.1.1.2. OVERALL layout:
There are effectively two types of layouts: those with direct supervision and
those with indirect supervision, prisons with indirect supervision are those
where the inmates and staff occupy to some extent their own territories. Staff
may intermingle with the inmates to a limited degree, supervision and control are
more remote and characterized by reliance on distant visual surveillance,
officers can retreat to their own station, and such prisons include radial,
cruciform layouts with variation such as courtyards with T and L configurations.
They may have centralized open galleries with cells off series of landings and
closed corridors. Size -- Size of the jail will affect the relevancy of direct and
indirect designs. As the size of a jail's capacity moves beyond 180 to 200
inmates the applicability of indirect design diminishes. As a rule of thumb, as the
size of a jail's capacity increases, the relevancy of direct supervision design
increases. Example of this would be Newghate prison London as discussed in
the previous chapter.

Figure 3.1.1.2.1: View of the watch tower in PANOPTICAN prison

15
In figure 3.1.1.2.1, A central guard tower looks out on a circular set of prison cells,
with the activities of each cell in full view of the tower. The building design
produces regulatory behavior, because whether or not there are actually guards in
the tower (this cannot be seen by prisoners), the prisoners will feel that gaze upon
them and regulate their behavior accordingly This design appears to have had a
negative impact on the physical and mental well-being of the inmates due to the
severe lack of privacy. Moreover, staff and prisoners relationships were likely to
be detached due to the physical distance between them as a result of the
design.
Direct supervision prisons have much larger central associations are surrounded
by one or two storey of cells. The central space is usually triangular, and officers
roam and mingle with the inmates. Greater staff-inmate contact has been found
to lead to increases positive relationships, allowing effective surveillance and
better security.
In Figure 3.1.1.2.2: Example of direct supervision in the common room
the officer is shown standing before an in-pod control station. By placing the
officer in the pod he or she has immediate visual observation of inmates and
unrestrained ability to receive information from and speak to inmates.

Figure 3.1.1.2.2: Example of direct supervision in the common room

16
3.1.1.3. PRIVACY:
Privacy plays a very important role in the design issues of rehabilitation facilities,
and can either help or inhibit inmate rehabilitation depending on how it is
addressed within the design context. Irwin Altman was a behavioral psychologist
who developed a theory called the Privacy Regulation Theory in 1975. Altman
describes a term, Optimal Privacy, which represents a match between the level
of contact wanted and the contact available, allowed and achieved.
Optimal privacy does not necessarily mean being alone. According to Altman, it
is to be alone when being alone is desired, or to be r with many people at other
times.

THERE ARE TWO SITUATIONS IN WHICH PRIVACY MAY FAIL

 Crowding is the state in which attempts at privacy fail because a person
has no choice but to be in contact with more people than desired.

 Isolation is when privacy fails because the person wants to interact with
more people but is kept from doing so through limitations such as
architectural, social or organizational. The manipulation of distance or
barriers in the environment is a critical mechanism in achieving privacy, a
barred cell provides physical separation but little visual or auditory
isolation, in a dormitory, no separation is possible.
An inability to achieve socially accepted norms for bodily functions has
dehumanizing effects- an exposed toilet, for an example shows very little
respect, which may further blunt or debase sensibilities. Privacy plays an
important role in self-evaluation and rejuvenation

17
Figure 3.1.1.3.1: Mobilong Prison, Australia has eliminated bars and grills
completely humanizing the architecture

3.1.1.3.1. Cells or dormitories:

From a financial standpoint, the minimum area needed to house inmates will be
the most popular and hence will win out single cells. Double bunking is
increasingly adopted for accommodating more prisoners. What should never
be done is, addition of extra beds in a cell designed for one, especially if
the cells contain exposed toilets. Some inmates do prefer the shared
companionship of a dormitory or a shared cell to the isolation of a single bed
cell, there should be sufficient variety to cater to individual needs, to design the
spaces and allot them. The risk level of inmates should be assessed before
assigning them.

3.1.1.4. ENVIRONMENTAL PERCEPTION:

There can be no justification for deliberately designing an unwholesome

accommodation or choosing dowdy colors, dim lighting and excessively harsh
materials. Oppression and ugliness can lead to alienation and aggression, flat,
square, barren concrete yards overlooked by cells can be designed as series of
terraced or softer landscape areas, which can induce mood of calm and repose
in an atmosphere not associated with either, there will always be a small hard

18
core prisoners for whom decent standards are a sign or weakness and laxity,
which they will seek to exploit and undermine, this is no reason for the other
majority to be denied decent and hopeful living conditions.

3.1.1.4.1. Thermal comfort:

Thermal comfort or discomfort represents a complex of psychological responses

to conditions in the physical environment, including temperature, humidity and
air movement, out come depending in quality of clothing, exterior exposure and
occupant load. Offensive smell can result in increased aggression.

3.1.1.4.2. Noise:

Noise is one of the prevailing problems even new “soft” prison. There are two
main reasons causing this, the hard materials used and the source of noise. It is
recommended that acceptable day time levels to be about 70 decibels and night
time level to be 40 decibels. Noise level can be reduced by isolating audio
systems, using sound absorbent materials and limiting metal on metal contacts
of the structure or furnishings.

3.1.1.4.3. Light and view:

Windows are considered a luxury for the incarcerated. Windows serve multiple
functions; they let in direct and indirect sunlight, aid in ventilation and
temperature control, and serve as a source of information about place, the
environment, and nature. They provide stimulation and sensory change, an
important tool to allow for remediation for isolation and boredom that many
inmates are faced with. Providing views to the outside world and of nature can
offer inmates benefits for stress reduction, mental restoration and recovery, and
are capable of unconsciously influencing the level of satisfaction with an
environment

19
Figure 3.1.1.4.3.1: Figure 3.1.1.4.3.2:
Kaala Pani Prison,India Halden prison, Norway

It is also important to consider the negative effects windows may have in

correctional settings, there are some consequences of windows that could bring
more harm than good.
20
Although the view afforded by windows is a highly valued element in prisons,
being visually exposed could cause emotional detriment to inmates. In
correctional settings, there is often conflict between the visual need for security,
and providing an environment that does not make the inmate feel exposed or on
display, which can be uncomfortable. The views through windows could also be
of concern, crating hazards with respect to the local community surrounding the
prison. A window that faces to outside public space could be used as an
opportunity to inappropriate behavior, this is a vital factor which needs to be
taken into account

3.1.1.4.4. Colour:

Colour needs to be viewed as an ecological construct, relevant as both signal

and symbol in the way we respond to the environment, as part of the ecological
niche in which humans evolved Correctional institutions often suffer from dull
monochromatic colour schemes causing monotony and boredom. Colour can
serve as a potentially positive and stimulating effect for inmates as well as staff.
The key to the successful use of colour is placing it in an appropriate
environmental context, considered with patterns and textures, used to reflect
natural elements that can have positive psychological effects.

3.1.1.4.5. Prison image and symbolism:

The image of the prison should send out different messages depending on
which side of the prison wall the observer happens to reside. The public needs
reassurance that the due processes of law are being carried out, prisons must

21
not seem weak or excessively lenient, or their confidence would be forfeited.
Prisons are places from which the inmates must not escape, which should be
expressed in the design but should be accepted and even adopted by the
community , where local people can participate in suitable activities. There
should be a balance between requirements of security and adverse
consequence of an over oppressive environment on the inmates

Figure 3.1.1.4.5.1 Figure 3.1.1.4.5.2

Front façade Rear elevation
Woodhill prison, UK. . Woodhill prison, UK.

22
Figure 3.1.1.4.5.1, complex but small scale facade of Woodhill prison, does not
represent cellular nature of the building, but in Figure 3.1.1.4.5.2, the rear
elevation very much expresses its purpose with the saw tooth arrangement.

Figure 3.1.1.4.5.3: Kaala Pani Prison.

Figure 3.1.1.4.5.3, Kaala Pani prison, a yellow

gateway, flanked by two towers, marks the
entrance into the jail. Once inside, the severe
programme that the building houses becomes
highly apparent through its strict geometry – the
radial plan creates perspectives of an
exaggerated nature, drawing one’s attentions
across rows of grilled arches towards the high
watchtower

TABLE 3.1. COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS OF THE KEY DESIGN FACTORS FOR

A HUMANE PRISON ENVIRONMENT:

KEY DESIGN OLDER PRISON NEW GENERTAION PRISON

23
 FACTORS DESIGNS DESIGNS

OVERALL LAYOUT Prison model, Madrid.1877 Bunberry regional prison, WA

Linear arrangements of cells Normalized setting with
with large yards in decentralized services
between and community living
allowed

LIGHT
Learning prison, USA
Pentoville prison,USA Natural light and ventilation for
Enclosed space with little light all the cells
or openness

24
PRISON IMAGE AND
Eastern State penitentiary
SYMBOLISM
Woodhill Prison
Symbolic authority through
massive Modest entrance of Human
Hard architecture scale

LANDSCAPE
Kaala Pani prison,India
West Wimberley Regional

Stark Facade /interfaces with Prison

yards
Landscaping courts, gardens
and path to create an
intimate surrounding

25
VISUALCONNECTION Kaala Pani,India West Wimberley Regional

Designed for solitary confinment Prison Room which

Dark and dingy without any allows inmate to visually

natural light or ventillation connect to the exterior

space and a softer
quality of design

3.1.1.4.6. CONCLUSION:

Issues of privacy and overcrowding not only expose inmates to an extreme

amount of stress as a result to their living conditions, they are also denied many
or most of the means the rest of us use to deal with stress. The use of light,
windows, views of nature and colour are profoundly important for creating a
livable environment within correctional institutions.

Studies have shown that prisons in older prison system succumb to effects of
isolation and stimulus deprivation, isolation deprives ones of one’s personal
identities rejecting one need for creativity and communion as opposed to new
generation prisons which appears liberal but only the activity in a strictly
confined space is free. The design of correctional facilities should address all of
these issues in from a holistic approach to create settings that are less
oppressive

26
 CHAPTER 4

4.1: INTERNATIONAL. LITERATURE STUDIES

4.1.1. HILARY COTTAM – THE LEARNING PRISON

4.1.1.1. BACKGROUND:

The Learning Prison is a proposed prison model designed by United Kingdom

designer Hilary Cottam (Hilarycottam.com, 2015). The prison is made up of
eleven houses, each of which accommodates an accountable group of thirty-six
offenders who are expected to form a small community. Cells are grouped on
three floors around a central atrium, ensuring a secure inside and outside space
where the offender is continually visible and can move around unescorted. The
checkerboard pattern allows for each house to be attached to an outdoor
garden.

The communal facilities are able provide for a capacity of four-hundred

offenders planned within the 10 000 square meter plot. Although the proposal is
regarded as universal design, the prison makes no effort to accommodate for
male or female offenders in particular nor does it state what category of offender
it will hold. The users identified as ‘offenders,’ cannot be assigned to a specific
sex. The broader areas of focus include effective learning, cost and
maintenance.

27
Figure 4.1.1.1.1: An aerial view of the Learning Prison model displaying houses
arranged in checkerboard pattern.

The twenty-first century brief incorporating direct supervision, which has been
the inspiration of the learning prison, has begun to direct more attention toward
the relationship between staff and offenders. Discourses of rehabilitation have
given way to new ideas concerned with helping offenders to change and
improve as an outcome of their own efforts.

4.1.1.2. ANALYSIS:

The architecture of the prison is aimed at creating a humane and secure

environment taking care to avoid repressive settings characteristically linked
with prison design. The ‘houses’, are supposed to create a normalized
environment, that offenders can adopt as their home for the duration of their

28
sentence. Cells are designed with views to nature for a non-claustrophobic
environment, bars or grilles are also non-existent.

The prison environment is focused on quality and performance. Sufficient day

lighting and natural ventilation using the venture effect is applied promoting the
wellbeing of offenders. Hard and soft landscaping is used on ground level.
Gardens planted with flowers, herbs and small trees will provide shade and
produce fragrances offering a calming setting. The basketball court with harder
more durable surface creates a balance of textures. A hard exterior material of
precast concrete is chosen because of its robustness and durability. Their
indistinguishable nature also reinforced by the lack of variation in building height
and high walled gardens could be interpreted as a lack of consideration for
offenders individuality. The forms appear heavy with their robust materials and
rigid angular block-like appearances which enforce a subtle air of control.

Figure 4.1.1.2.1: Sectional analysis of Hilary cottam -The learning prison

29
Offenders’ are accommodated in single cells allowing for both privacy and
interaction. Each cell is paired with a neighboring ‘buddy’ cell. The cell has a
central door between the two individual cells, 61 allowing them the option of a
roommate if desired. This feature controlled by the offenders. The element of
choice safeguards against structured dependency and rigid routines which other
institutions endorse. The cell is designed to save space and give the impression
of a larger unit with a sloping ceiling above the bathroom.

The in-cell sanitation is provided with a door creating a humane environment. In

each house the cells are arranged in a U-shape , with the lowest floor of the
house being largely communal, used for leisure, dining and house meetings.
Varying levels of publicness and privacy can be identified.

Figure 4.1.1.2.2: Circulation study of a single Unit

30
Figure 4.1.1.2.3: Layout of the Prison cell, Learning prison.

In the learning prison the individual gradually learns to discipline their own life,
as an active member of the house community. The idea behind such a prison
that provides for a smaller number is that offenders can now be located to a
prison closer to their families and communities. Making visitation easier and thus
aiding in maintaining family ties. The house offers social integration which
closely replicates conditions in society. The ground floor has common areas
available for learning, counseling, working and exercise. Each house has
communal facilities for the members of that particular house, almost
representative of family life in the outside world. Offenders would be expected to
work an eight-hour day and partake in community activities such as cleaning,
cooking and budgeting. The communal facilities are clustered and within this
arrangement a ring of circulation is embedded.

The design focuses on movement and densifying the site, looking at how
prisons are usually arranged in order to improve it. Prisons were historically
designed with little regard of the shape of external space. Prisons were and are
still designed with arbitrary buildings ‘in a sea of external space’ confined within
a secure perimeter. This affects, movement and security.

31
Figure 4.1.1.2.4: Site Layout of Learning prison, USA.

32
 Once outside the buildings an offender can move to any point inside the
perimeter with supervision. Their argument states that this makes the prison
hard to control without intensive staff management. In new generation prisons
freedom of movement within the secure prison perimeter is encouraged as it
allows the offender to gain independence and more control over their own lives.

This unsupervised freedom however may cause a loss of internal.

Traditionally, cells are located deep within the building, far from the exterior,
creating unnecessary effort for management to access them. Movement
between wings and centralized activities is via outside space, creating a further
barrier for offenders trying to access the services .The learning prison model has
planned the spaces in an orderly fashion with little movement required from
activity to activity and from cells to services. This indicates that it allows for very
limited freedom of movement within the site.
The Learning Prison appears to be liberal in terms of security, however the
space is ‘strictly controlling.’ Instead of openly depriving offenders of their
freedom as the panopticon model suggests, the prison reverses this logic.
Clearly defined spaces serve as a means of control within which activities are
unrestricted

33
 Figure
4.1.1.2.5:

Comparison of the
movement pattern of earlier prisons
and Learning prison, USA.

34
 Figure 4.1.1.2.6:
Figure showing
controlled and free
access movements
in
The Learning prison.

Since direct access is enabled to courtyard and garden, no managed movement

is required. Offenders will have free access to small pockets of secure space,
but they will be closely supervised by the presence of staff teams located in the
houses. This building does not simply act as a container for detention, but is
also an active variable supporting the prison service programme and outcomes.
Most attributes are particularly commendable and relate to the balance of
autonomy and control.

4.1.2. MALMESBURY CORRECTIONAL CENTRE

4.1.2.1. BACKGROUND:

35
The Malmesbury Correctional Centre is located in Malmesbury, a town in the
Western Cape farmlands. Its maximum-security facility that houses
approximately 912 offenders costing R173 million to build.

The prison comprises of eleven housing units and one cooks housing unit. Apart
from the housing units, it also comprises of the following units: visitation,
admission, hospital, counseling, kitchen, general stores, workshops, class
rooms and an administration section. Dayrooms are the central feature of the
units and reserved for the inhabitants of that unit alone. Their aim was to design
an institution that would form part of a national effort at social reconstruction.

The Departments stated that their aim for providing this brief was to ‘ensure a
more humane environment for offenders as well as direct supervision. Despite
the architect’s attempts to incorporate newer design strategies with the intention
of creating a more humane environment, the facility is still not successful in
accomplishing the goals of rehabilitation and reintegration. Due to overcrowding
many of the specialized facilities are not used for their intended purposes.

4.1.2.2. ANALYSIS:

The newer design strategy called ‘unit management’ the ‘concept that changed
corrections’ was adopted. Unit management drove the design process
compelling the subdivision of a typically large facility into smaller units that
function as semi-autonomous groupings of guards and offenders

36
Figure 4.1.2.2.1: Site plan of Malmesbury correctional centre,
Western Cape.

Malmesbury Correctional Centre was designed to function as a ‘flow diagram’.

Offenders enter the facility at the assessment centre where warders devise
individualized ‘sentence plans’
Offenders are then designated a cell and an institutional programme which
unfolded through a particular series of units, classrooms and workshops, finally
offenders are to depart at the administration block where they originally entered
from, displaying a full circuit of which stages diagrammatically signify the
process of subject transformation.

37
Figure 4.1.2.2.2: Front View kept at human scale at Malmesbury
Correctional centre

The program and circuit enforces a disciplinary regime which is intended to

become an indicator for behavioral action. The formal layout of spaces that
move offenders from one stage to the next exemplifies the theory of
institutionalization, where social order encompasses subjective experiences.
Repetitive building forms although kept at a human scale display a single hard
material throughout, exhibiting robustness.

Face brick exterior walls are punctured with openings larger than most of the
other South African prisons, but still maintain the grills as an escape prevention
measure. The double volume dayroom allows for much natural light to enter
which is seen as a positive although good intentions somehow got lost in the
unit housing section where the dayroom was substituted for an open courtyard.

Long length tables and fixed benches were intended to encourage interaction
between unit members although spacious and naturally illuminated, the hard
38
immovable furniture and materiality of the interiors seem unwelcoming. A
Malmesbury ‘pod’, with cells overlooking dayroom where social interaction is
encouraged. Offenders have free access to Long tables with benches inspiring
large groups of offenders to sit and eat together. The dayroom is provided as the
primary place of interaction although the feeling of being watched would be
apparent with reflective mirrors and CCTV cameras viewing this space. Within
the unit, offenders and warders are meant to exist as a small community

Figure 4.1.2.2.3:
Dayroom, Malmesbury
correctional centre

The sections consist of double and single cells . The cells have beds, lockers,
desks and chairs, as well as wash hand basins and toilets which are situated
behind the door as opposed to in front of the door, thus providing some privacy
for the offender. Unfortunately overcrowding has forced cells to house more
offenders than they were built for, consequently, less privacy is obtained.

39
Figure 4.1.2.2.4: Plan of conjoined living pods showing cell layout with open to
sky dayroom

Figure 4.1.2.2.5: Layout of the cells at Malmesbury correction centre

40
The in-cell sanitation although not visible to the corridors is not concealed nor
separately enclosed in the cell and therefore it’s acclaimed humane status can
be questioned. The doors to each cell have a small glazed opening for
supervision by wardens which allows privacy to some extent, which is an
improvement to the traditional grilles. Public areas such as the dayroom and
communal activity areas are public although men and women have separate
pods and are not permitted to intermix. This is ensured by physical barriers and
wardens.

Figure 4.1.2.2.6: Inside control room in cell unit/’pod’, looking out onto the
dayroom with cells in background

Apart from the CCTV cameras and intercom system located at every door in the
prison, including the doors to each prison cell, the presence of the control room
is entirely obscured. The dark room accommodates for two wardens who sit in
front of computer screens, television monitors, speakers and microphones.
The physical structure of a prison does not alleviate the various problems of
managing such an institution.
41
Due to the decentralization, areas are separately managed although officers are
not Malmesbury is much more complex a system, than a ‘straightforward high-
tech panopticon.’ Within the broader surveillance technique, warders inside each
unit are tasked with ‘direct supervision’ making Malmesbury a remote
surveillance model as well as a direct supervision one.

Malmesbury’s security strived to be in line with the latest of international

designs with ‘dignified accommodation in an environment facilitating movement,
interaction and change is conducive to rehabilitation trained sufficiently and
many of the tasks left in their control are not fulfilled
New generation prison spaces such as this one, may at first sight appear to be
humane alternatives to the traditional forms of imprisonment, but if the attention
is returned to the theories of Panopticonism and Rehabilitation this interpretation
is not wholly accurate. Rather, what is suggested is that simple forces of
surveillance and constraint have been replaced by advanced technologies of
subjection orientated towards the production of a new form of model law-abiding
citizen

42
 CHAPTER 5

5.1: INDIAN LITERATURE STUDIES

5.1.1: THIHAR JAIL, NEW DELHI

5.1.1.1. BACKGROUND:

Thihar jail is the largest complex in south Asia, it located near thihar village , 7
km from chanakyapuri and the surrounding area is called janakpuri, various
central jails started merging within the complex to accommodate the ever
increasing prison population , but despite these efforts thihar jail is known as a
overcrowded prison as of nov 2006. The total population of thihar complex is
11800, when the capacity is only 6250.

5.1.1.2. LAYOUT:
The thihar jail complex follows clustered layout, there are various central jails
within the complex, and the major typology followed here is- courtyard in centre
which has a watch tower in centre like panopticon. It resembles a square
centralized layout, the high watch tower helps in surveillance by providing the
view if the whole jail compound but it is not as overwhelming as panopticon
tower and being distant, it does not generate any anxiety in prisoners. The green
expanse is Common Park for all inmates of all wards

43
44
 Figure 5.1.1.2.1: Site zoning of thihar jail

The central jail is further divided in wards and each ward again follows
An Enclosed courtyard typology, each ward is supposed to house 50 inmates;
however it is currently housing around 150 inmates. There is one entry pint to
the ward which has guard room right at the entrance; each ward has a central
courtyard, dining space and common toilets.

Figure 5.1.1.2.2: An enclosed ward of Thihar Jail

45
There is a segregation of criminals inside the ward, the first time offenders live in
a separate house block while the two houses on the opposite side are occupied
by the rest of the inmates. Recreational room also adjacent to the first time
offender’s block. As one can see from the section, the corridors open in the
courtyard which often becomes the space for interaction amongst the inmates

5.1.1.3. PRISON CELLS:

46
The inmates are either housed in common dormitory or cell with a capacity of
three inmates each, inmate’s in common dormitory share a common toilet area
while the cells with three inmates have individual toilets on each cell.

The common dormitory has a long transition passageway /corridor which opens
up into a large common room. But due to extreme overcrowding of the prison ,
even the outside corridor is occupied By inmates. It houses around 36 inmates.
Since both cell types are shared, there is a loss in sense of privacy and
provision of self introspection is less, but it is compensated by other healthier
group activities which are aimed at reformation and rehabilitation like meditation.
However, due to overcrowding, the personal space of inmates is being
compromised upon, and more issues of territoriality and aggressiveness are
anticipated.

5.1.1.4. LIGHTING AND THERMAL CONDITIONS:

All the cells are well ventilated and lit with ample daylight entering inside the cell
through metal bars and windows which imports reformative quality to the cells.
Also during daytime, inmates are allowed to walk in courtyard which receives
sunlight which reduces their sense of confinement

47
Figure 5.1.1.4.1: An enclosed ward of Thihar Jail

5.1.1.5. COMMON FACILITIES:

The common recreational room provides with facilities of indoor games, library
and a tv for entertainment of inmates. Since currently the aim of thihar jail is
reformation and rehabilitation, provisions for various other functions like adult
education, yoga and meditation session also exist in recreational block. There is
a common dining area also to promote interaction amongst inmates and also
hello inmates to build healthy relationships with each other, these are the
common areas add to reformative quality of thihar jail

Figure 5.1.1.5.1: Opening dining room, Thihar jail

48
5.1.1.6. SECURITY AND SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM:

Each jail has a cctv control room for watching he inmates activities and a control
room is setup in the main prison headquarters. This system 235 fixed cameras
and 23 movable cameras. These cameras record the inmates activities for
seven days after which backup are taken. One guard for 150 inmates is the
proportion of guard inmate
There are three levels of security under which the inmates are kept inside the
prison complex
 The house block is the first security level
 The second security level is the compound wall of the house block
 The third security level is the external wall of the prison complex

Figure 5.1.1.6.1: Levels of security, Thihar Jail

49
Figure 5.1.1.6.2: Security gate, Thihar Jail

Security by virtue of built form is a necessity which might seem overwhelming

and might generate anxiety also, however, they are also being continuously
ministered by cctv and in any case of any unusual activity, guards are informed
immediately. Also recordings are observed by officers to see inmates behaviour
as told by a guard in thihar

5.1.1.7. LANDSCAPING:

The due importance is given to landscaping in thihar jail, there is a landscaped

court inside every ward and all the corridors of the housing block open right into
the court. So, all the inmates spend a lot of time in these landscapes courts and
there is a central green, also where inmates from all wards come together. Then
green area reduces negativity due to confinement and provides relief for some
time which adds to reformative quality of the prison
The large park also serves a congregational ground at the time of occasions , it
serves as a ground for interaction with the inmates as well as the society

50
5.1.1.8. IMAGE TO THE SOCIETY:

The thihar jails ideology of rehabilitation and reformation of criminals clearly

reflects in the functions within the building. Various vocational courses are being
provided to the inmates and the inmates are also being employed in the prison
industry within the complex which sell products under the brand-thihar. On the
facade of the complex, there is a major outlet of thihar products which not only
interacts with the society but also integrate it.
The location adds to the advantage of society interaction ,l being located near a
busy road, which people are not afraid of the structure. Various Ngos are
working with thihar towards elimination of the stigma attached to jails in India.

51
5.1.2: JAIPUR CENTRAL JAIL

5.1.2.1. BACKGROUND:

Jaipur central jail is one the biggest prison complexes in Rajasthan built by the
state government. It can be put under the category of medium security prison. It
is located on eth main Agra road with the capacity for 400 inmates but currently
houses 1842 inmates of which 908 are under rigorous imprisonment.

Figure 5.1.2.1: Location map of Jaipur Jail

52
5.1.2.2. BACKGROUND

 The entire complex has a single entrance

 The administration area is situated near the entrance
 Each ward has a patrols posted in corridors for surveillance
 There is also a visitors rooms next to administrative block right next to the
entrance.
 The four blocks of hospital also as barracks for ill Inmates.
 The dinner is served in the courtyards or in the barracks as there are no
dining halls

5.1.2.3.THE COMPLEX

 Administrative block
 Four hospital blocks 4 factories
 9 prison wards
 Central kitchen
 Community hall

5.1.2.4. HOUSING and prison cells:

The housing is according to the classification of being under-trail or a convict.

The roofing is primarily a concrete slab and flooring is done using plain cement.
The accommodation is of two types-barrack or dormitory and solitary
confinement

Cells
 The wards containing solitary confinement cells had two blocks of wards
facing each other with a court between them

53
  The solitary confinement cell is s a small room( 3m x 2.5 m) with an
Indian wc and a sleeping platform

One ward constitutes of barracks on three edges and a blank wall on the
remaining side forming a square courtyard in the centre. There is one entrance
to the ward. The barracks have made of iron grilles which offer no protection
against weather

The toilets are located within the barrack attached to the sleeping area. The
design of sharing walls between cells disrupts cross ventilation with no direct
lighting which would be extremely detrimental to the mental health of the
prisoners

Figure 5.1.2.4: Zoning of Jaipur Jail, Rajasthan

54
The cells are located deep within the building, far from the exterior , creating
unnecessary effort for the management to access them. The movement
between the wings and the centralized garden area is via a outside space
creating a further barrier in terms of security of movement

5.1.2.5. LANDSCAPING:

Figure 5.1.2.5: Landscape of Jaipur Jail, Rajasthan

Dinesh Rana, who is a convict in a murder case, said, "When I am in the barrack
or alone many thoughts cross my mind which disturb me .But while I am in the
farm looking after the supply of water or how to use the fertilizers, it keeps my
mind occupied and gives me great satisfaction too. I only return to the barrack
from the farm in the evening or during the lunch hours in the afternoon.
- THE HINDU

Though the inclusion of the green pocket vegetable garden as created a

positive impact among inmates, the ratio of landscape vs built form is low. The
inmates do not have any green to their line of sight with barren hard caped
courtyards furthering increases the temperature during summer creating lack of
thermal comfort to the inmates.

55
5.1.2.5. IMAGE TO THE SOCIETY

All architectural decisions that went into the making of the jail stemmed from the
decision to punish. As one walks along the length of the bare back facades of
each wing, a sense of desolation is pervasive. This overwhelming massing
would have a negative impact on the rehabilitation.
The entrance facade, resembles traditional architectural style of city is the only
relief from the authoritative symbolism of the jail’s design.

56
 CHAPTER 6

6.1. OPEN PRISON- AN OVERVIEW:

Open prison, also called minimum-security prison, open camp, or prison without
bars, is a prison which is open in four respects:

(i) Open to prisoners, i.e., inmates can go to market at sweet will during
the day but have to come back in the evening;

(ii) Open in security, i.e., there is absence of precautions against escape,

such as walls, bars, locks and armed guards;

(iii) Open in organization, i.e., working is based on inmates' sense of self-

responsibility, self-discipline, and self-confidence; and

(iv) Open to public, i.e., people can visit the prison and meet prisoners. It
is the kind of authority and the nature of management transferred to
the inmates and the degree of freedom from physical restraints (to
escape) that should be the real measure of openness of an open
prison.

The main objectives of establishing open prisons are: to reduce overcrowding in

jails, to reward good behavior, to give training in self-reliance, to provide
dependable permanent labor for public works, to prevent frustrations and create
hope among long-termers, to provide training in agriculture and industry, to
examine the suitability of releasing offenders from prisons, and to enable
prisoners to live with their family members (in some states).

The first open prison was established in Switzerland in 1891, in the United
States in 1916, in Britain in 1930, and in the Netherlands in 1950. By 1975, there
were 13 open prisons in England, 25 in the United States, four each in Sri Lanka
57
and the Australia, three in Hong Kong, two each in New Zealand, China, Japan,
Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand, and 23 in India (Ghosh, 1992: 9-
10).

In India, the first open prison was started in 1905 in Bombay Presidency. The
prisoners were selected from the special class prisoners of Thane Central Jail,
Bombay. However, this open prison was closed in 1910. The state of Uttar
Pradesh established the first open prison camp in 1953 for the construction of a
dam over Chandraprabha River near Benaras (now Varanasi).

After completing this darn, the prisoners of the °Pen camp were shifted to a
nearby place of constructing the dam over Karamnasa River. The third camp
was organised at Shahbad for digging a canal.

Encouraged by the success of these temporary camps, a permanent camp was

started on March 15, 1956 at Mirzapur with a view to employing prisoners on the
work of quarrying stones for Uttar Pradesh government cement factory at Churk,
Mirzapur.

The initial strength of prisoners in this camp was 150 which went up to 1,700 but
has now come down to 800. Another permanent camp-called Sampurnanad
Shivir-was established in 1960 at Sitarganj in Nainital district in Uttar Pradesh.

At the time of its establishment, Sampurnanand camp had 5,965 acres of land
but later on 2,000 acres of reclaimed land were handed over to the Uttar
Pradesh government for the rehabilitation of displaced persons. At present, thus,
the Sitarganj camp has 3,837 acres of land and is one of the largest open
prisons in the world.

Prisoners selected for the camp from different jails of the state are transferred to
district jail, Bareilly, from where they are shifted to the camp.

58
The camp staff at present consists of one superintendent, five jailors, 12 deputy
jailors, 16 assistant jailors, three assistant medical officers, six pharmacists, 126
warders and accountants, etc. The camp has capacity to accommodate 1,000
prisoners. However, on an average about 650 prisoners live in the camp during
the year.

The area of open prisons in different states varies from 10 to 50 acres except in
Andhra Pradesh (which has 1,427 acres), and Sitarganj camp, Nainital, Uttar
Pradesh (which has 3,837 acres). The open prisons, usually located on the
outskirts of a town fall within five kilometers of the nearest town, except in Kerala
and Uttar Pradesh where they are situated 15 to 35 kilometres from the nearest
towns.

The capacity of prisons varies from less than 100 to 1,000 prisoners. The nature
of accommodation also differs from place to place. Assam, Kerala, and
Himachal Pradesh prisons have permanent barracks; Mysore prison has pre-
fabricated structure, and Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra prisons provide
dormitories with asbestos roofs.

59
 CHAPTER 7

7.1. COMPARITIVE ANALYIS OF THE LITERTAURE STUDIES:

TABLE 7.1.1
MALMESBURY
CORRECTIONAL HILARY
CENTRE COTTOM-
THE
THIHAR JAIL JAIPUR JAIL
EARNING
PRISON
LOCATION Western London New Rajasthan,
cape,South Africa Delhi,India India
NUMBER OF 912 396 11800 1842
INMATES
The newer The learning Designed The
design strategy prison model aimed to allow therapeutic
called ‘unit has planned "community- method of
management’ the spaces in based" including a
CONCEPTUAL
applied..Centre an orderly reformation for garden and
UNDERPLANNING
was designed to fashion with the betterment grow
function as a little of the inmates vegetation to
‘flow diagram’ movement the soft cape
required from
activity to
activity and
from cells to
services
Decentralized Brief The jail The layout
LAYOUT Formal layout of incorporating complex designed to
Repetitive direct follows zone all the
60
 building forms. supervision, clustered public
Living pods which has layout, there functions
conjoined with been the are various towards the
control rooms inspiration of central jails entrance. The
and , CCTV the learning within the rehabilitative
cameras allows prison. The complex, the environment
direct as well as Checker major typology is off-centered
remote board design followed here creating a
surveillance focuses on is- courtyard in longer
movement centre which movement
and densifying has a watch pattern of the
the site, With tower in centre inmates.
clearly defined like There no
spaces serve panopticon. Guard rooms,
as a means of There is one only patrols
control within entry point to for the
which the ward corridor
activities are which has making it an
unrestricted, guard room ineffective
therefore right at the direct
reducing the entrance, supervision
number of though the system.
officials design aims at
needed to direct
monitor the supervision ,
inmates the inmate vs
official ratio
does not fully
allow it
SERVICES AND The prison Cells are The common The built

61
FACILITIES comprises of grouped on recreational includes
eleven housing three floors room provides Administrative
units and one around a with facilities block, Four
cooks housing central atrium. of indoor hospital
unit. Apart from Each cell is games, library blocks, 4
the housing units, paired with a and a tv for factories
it also comprises neighboring entertainment ,9 prison
of the following ‘buddy’ cell of inmates. wards,
units: visitation, with in-cell There is a Central
admission, sanitation with common kitchen,
hospital, a door. The dining area Community
counseling, communal also to hall and a
kitchen, general facilities are promote garden. There
stores, able provide interaction. is no dining
workshops, class for a capacity Inmates in area, the
rooms and an of four- common inmates eat in
administration hundred dormitory the courtyard
section. The cells offenders, share a or barracks
have beds, with each unit common toilet
lockers, desks having a area while the
and chairs, as common room cells with
well as wash in its spatial three inmates
hand basins and structure have
toilets which are individual
situated behind toilets on each
the door as cell.
opposed to in
front of the door
Face brick Sufficient day All the cells The barracks
ENVIRONMENTAL exterior walls are lighting and are well have made of

62
PERCEPTION punctured with natural ventilated and iron grilles
openings larger ventilation lit with ample which offer no
than most of the using the daylight protection
other South venture effect entering inside against
African prisons is applied the cell weather. The
and the double promoting the through metal toilets are
volume dayroom wellbeing of bars and located within
allows for much offenders. windows but the barrack
natural light to Cells are no view is attached to
enter The open designed with achieved. The the sleeping
planning fails to views to corridors open area, the foul
provide thermal nature for a in the smell of which
comfort during non- courtyard would have a
colder seasons. claustrophobic which often negative
environment, becomes the impact. The
bars or grilles space for design of
are also non- interaction sharing walls
existent between cells
disrupts cross
ventilation
with no direct
lighting
Decentralized Landscaped The
landscape pods Checkerboard court inside therapeutic
exhibit hierarchy pattern allows every ward method of
from the larger for each and central including a
two communal house to be large garden and
LANDSCAPE zones to the attached to an congregational grow
smaller outdoor ground used vegetation to
landscape units garden .Hard occasionally the soft cape

63
 for each units. and soft
The champhered landscaping is
building form used on
allows ground level.
unhindered views Gardens
from the cells to planted with
the landscaped flowers, herbs
spaces and small
trees will
provide shade
and produce
fragrances
offering a
calming
setting. The
basketball
court with
harder more
durable
surface
creates a
balance of
textures
Repetitive A hard On the facade bare back
building forms exterior of the facades of
although kept at material of complex, there each wing, a
a human scale precast is a major sense of
PRISON
display a single concrete is outlet of thihar desolation is
SYMBOLISM
hard material chosen products pervasive
throughout, because of its which not only

64
 exhibiting robustness interacts with
robustness. and durability. the society but
The forms also integrate
appear heavy it.
with their
robust
materials and
rigid angular
block-like
appearances
which enforce
a subtle air of
control.

CHAPTER 8

8.1. INFERENCE:

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8.1.1. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS:

8.1.1.1. SITE PLANNING:

The general layout of the prison ought to be considered as early as possible as

the level of integration of the facilities will dictate whether certain spaces can be
shared between prisoner groups, or if multiple spaces for the same function can
be provided.
A cluster system has a moderate degree of closely coupled facilities in multiple
buildings. In this system, different prisoner categories may be housed separately
but share access (at different times) to common facilities such as a central
kitchen, workshops, a gym, etc. By the virtue of the size of its component parts,
a cluster system may be easier to manage than a fully integrated prison holding
many types of prisoner categories. In particular, it may be appropriate to house,
for instance, a prison population consisting of all male prisoners falling under
various categories.
An integrated prison has the highest degree of integrated facilities, generally in
a single building in an urban setting. In this system, the prison is completely
integrated as one large operation and may be appropriate to house, for instance,
a prison population consisting entirely of high risk men who are incarcerated for
long-term sentences. If a multi-story building is being contemplated, sight
boundaries and the privacy of adjoining properties must also be considered to
prevent, for example, male prisoners looking over nearby households. Because
the prison will often constitute the entirety of the site area, there are particular
implications for refurbishment projects.

66
Figure 8.1.1.1.1: Analysis of types of planning

Any necessary decanting of prisoners, for example, is likely to include the

transfer of prisoners to other facilities, with implications for the broader prison
system and the living conditions of prisoners.

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8.1.1.2. DESIGN REQUIREMENTS AND CONSTRUCTION PHASING:

There are some environments in which short-term facilities may be needed

quickly, without an ability to at once ensure the provision of complete facilities.
If, for any reason, all the necessary facilities cannot be finished at once, the
challenge of master planning is to structure the development of the infrastructure
in such a way that the prison functions effectively at each phase of construction
and in the transitions between phases.
Phased use of infrastructure In light of the above, if will often make sense to
also phase the use of infrastructure. For example, when all the phases of
construction are complete, a certain building will only be used for the
administration of the prison.

Consider a prison that houses prisoners in overcrowded dormitories and has

only a small administrative area: a first phase of improvement may add more
dormitory space before adding additional administrative space and training and
work programs; on the other hand, the negative effects of overcrowding can be
mitigated by moving prisoners out of the dormitories, and so priority may be
given to the development of workshops and farms, to allow prisoners to work
while the second phase of improvements is in development. The overall
improvement of prisoners’ well-being should drive decision making.
Prioritization of expansion A transition from a short-term to a permanent facility
may be phased in the following manner.

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Phase 1
• Basic administration
• Toilets
• Shower
• Cellblocks
• Kitchen and food preparation area
 •Permanent security barrier
• Security separation (to control prisoner movement)

Phase 2
• More administration
• Security administration and control room
• Prisoner reception and processing area
• Visits area
• More cellblocks
• Internal zoning
• Gatehouse Phase 3
• Facilities for prison staff
• More complete healthcare facilities
• Education blocks
• Workshops
• Other accommodation to support rehabilitation activities (i.e. counselling
and

69
Figure 8.1.1.2.1: Zoning and spatial organization of prison design

70
8.1.1.3. THE guidance is structured in three subsections:

1. Prisoner Accommodation
2. Prisoner Facilities
3. Prison Support

Facilities must be designed in a manner that protects the safety and security of
each individual category, including women, untried prisoners and other prisoner
categories, potentially including children. To ensure the safety and security of
the various categories of prisoners, separation must be ensured with physical
barriers, as well as visual and aural barriers. Both physical and sensory barriers
should be addressed in the design of corridors, access to outdoor spaces,
health, education and workshop facilities, and other shared prison spaces. This
does not preclude the use of shared facilities as a sensible budgetary measure
but the physical design and operational management of such facilities must be
carefully considered. Moreover, it is essential that the physical separation of
different categories of prisoners does not violate the principle of non-
discrimination, which requires that each category receives equal access to all
available resources and services
The different categories of prisoners shall be kept in separate institutions or
parts of institutions, taking account of their sex, age, criminal record, the legal
reason for their detention and the necessities of their treatment; thus:
a. Men and women shall so far as possible be detained in separate institutions;
in an institution which receives both men and women, the whole of the premises
allocated to women shall be entirely separate;
b. Untried prisoners shall be kept separate from convicted prisoners;
c. Persons imprisoned for debt and other civil prisoners shall be kept separate
from persons imprisoned by reason of a criminal offence;
d. Young prisoners shall be kept separate from adults.
Security considerations
71
8.1.1.3.1. PRISON ACCOMMODATION:

As cellblocks may hold prisoners for large portions of time, consideration is

required to ensure adequate security features to prevent escape, observe
prisoners and control their movement. It is crucial that all cells and dormitories
are designed in a manner that allows for the unobtrusive supervision of
prisoners by prison personnel. This is necessary to protect the safety and
security of all accommodated individuals, as well as prison staff. Special
attention may be needed to the design of sight lines in situations where bunk
beds may otherwise obscure the view into the cell.

Figure 8.1.1.3.1.1: Hierarchy of zoning according to inmates

72
8.1.1.3.1.1. SINGLE AND SHARED CELLS:

Cells are rooms that are typically designed to sleep one or two prisoners. The
advised number of prisoners per cell will vary depending on the social, cultural,
and operational context

Figure 8.1.1.3.1.1.1: Specifications for single and shared cells

8.1.1.3.1.2. DORMITORIES:

Dormitories are spaces that house groups of prisoners. Bunk beds are often
used to maximize the floor space available for prisoner use. Allowing 1.6m2 per
bed, a four person dormitory with single beds may measure 13.6m2 (3.4m2 x 4),
while a four person dormitory with double bunk beds will provide an equal
amount of open space at 10.4m2 [(3.4m2 x 4) – (1.6m2 x 2)].

Figure 8.1.1.3.1.2.1: Specifications for Dormitories

73
8.1.1.3.1.3. TOILETS:

Prisoners must be allowed access to toilet facilities anytime of day or night. This
is easiest to manage and most convenient for prisoners if there are toilets in
each cell or dormitory, which flush reliably into well-maintained public sewers

Figure 8.1.1.3.1.3.1: Specifications for Toilets

8.1.1.3.1.4.SHOWERS/BATHING FACILITIES:

Showers are generally not located within individual cells for cost and
maintenance reasons. Showers may be located inside dormitories or in some
central location within the cellblock. In prisons with very limited infrastructure,
showers can be located outside cellblocks, but this means prisoners must be
escorted to the showers at least once a week in a temperate climate and more
often in hot ones. This entails a greater demand on prison staff in terms of
managing the process.

Figure 8.1.1.3.1.4.1: Specifications for sharing/bathing facilities

74
8.1.1.3.1.4. OUTDOOR YARDS AND DAYROOMS:

They can be inexpensive to build and, if properly designed, easy to control.

Every effort should be made to design yards that feel like open spaces with long
views. It is not desirable to design yards as essentially roofless rooms. The
minimum area of the yard should be at least 4m² per prisoner in the cellblock
that it serves.
Dayroom In combination with the yard, the dayroom is where prisoners pass
time when they are within the cellblock but not in their dormitory or cell. The
dayroom should be as spacious as possible, allowing ample access for
ventilation and natural light
Multi-purpose room
The inclusion of a multi-purpose room in the accommodation area will allow for
small groups to meet for activities such as educational and religious study, or be
useful as a space for a mini-gym (that does not use free weights) to encourage
fitness. An area such as this is particularly useful if the prison does not have a
designated gym area or other common facilities.

75
8.1.2: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR A HUMANE PRISON DESIGN:

Most prisons were built during a time when supportive rehabilitative programs
and policies were not in place and therefore are still designed as places of
punishment based on outdated prison models. Newer correctional models still
fail to achieve the level of rehabilitation and reintegration requirements needed
for the successful re-entry of offenders into society

8.1.2.1. GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION – WHERE SHOULD THE FACILITY BE

LOCATED?

prisons should be located in urban areas or on the outskirts of, especially if that
is where the bulk of the offender population is from, Thihar has maintained that
this centralised location which is critically important, as it permits access of the
community based reformations , family visits and makes the daily routine of the
officers a easier ordeal
8.1.2.2. LAYOUT-WHAT TYPE OF SECURITY SHOULD BE PROVIDED?

Direct supervision prisons have much larger central associations creating

greater staff-inmate contact has been found to lead to increases positive
relationships, allowing effective surveillance and better security as seen in
learning prison where the layout allows controlled freedom with better
relationships and fewer officials.
8.1.2.3. SIZE – WHAT SHOULD THE SIZE OF THE FACILITY BE?

New prison models suggest that smaller Centre’s allow for easier management
also reducing the risk of standardization and promoting a stronger community
life. All accommodation provided for use of prisoners, particularly for sleeping,
will meet basic requirements of healthy living. Due regard shall be paid to
climatic conditions, cubic contents of air, minimum floor space, lighting and
ventilation. Common issues with regards to space availability indicate that cells

76
need to be better designed to allow for compact living and in-cell sanitation
should be provided without dehumanizing the inmates.

8.1.2.4. PERCEPTION-CREATE A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT:

Individual room temperature controls are costly and an unhealthy alternative to
passive cooling techniques that can be used to provide adequate ventilation. A
more positive atmosphere can be created with more glazing and operable
windows. The removal of bars which reduce the effectiveness of windows to let
in light is also preferable although security then needs to be considered with the
use of laminated polycarbonate glazing

8.1.2.5. LANDSCAPING:
Gardens and low lying shrubs allow for some visual retreat and can uplift moods
as well as reduce stress while maintaining clear sight lines for surveillance.
Productive roof gardens should be considered for their thermal properties as
well as encouraging self-sustainability, community-life and care-taking. As the
building is located in an urban area, roof spaces can be utilised for larger
sporting activities (instead of using valuable ground space) so as to maintain the
density of the urban fabric which would also make the surveillance of the unit
easier.

8.1.2.6. BUILDING IMAGE - WHAT SHOULD THE PRISON LOOK LIKE?

The appearance of the facility is extremely important as it has the ability to
influence public perception, particularly if the facility is located in an urban area.
Care should be taken to design a non-intimidating exterior and avoid bland
facades that characterise typical correctional facilities. To ensure both autonomy
and control, the buildings hard materials could represent confinement,
contrasted with soft materials associated with rehabilitation and growth. A
change in levels, varying heights and sizes of the forms as well as the
individualized facades gives it human scale, preventing it from becoming a

77
dominant mass. Trust formation with the use of breakable materials employs the
method of reverse psychology to cause a shift in prison dynamic.
For example the extensive use of glass can be associated with the attitude that
suggests we trust you therefore act with caution.

8.1.2.7. ALLOW FOR ISOLATION AND ENCOURAGE SOCIAL

INTERACTION:

Cells can be adaptable to afford offenders the choice to withdraw from stressful
situations, avoid conflict and prevent violent outbursts. Private spaces allow for
self-reflection while communal spaces encourage socialization maintaining
social skills needed in society. This recommendation has implications on the
type of form that needs to be created as well. The building should not be a
continuous mass but rather be made up of smaller parts to elucidate a less
intimidating structure. Principles of the direct supervision model reflect
consideration for open communication between wardens and offenders.
Staff should be located in or close to the housing units. Other important services
such as counseling should also be placed in proximity to the offenders. This
organization of facilities enables the interaction between staff and offenders,
which results in a better functioning relationship as seen in Thihar and learning
prison, which was lacking in Jaipur central prison.

The overall facility should reflect a decentralized approach. Each housing unit
should incorporate communal facilities, which are clearly accessible to the
offenders of that particular house. Organizing communal activity and living
spaces together will encourage an everyday communication between staff and
offenders. It also seeks to minimize the escort function. This management
approach also allows for decisions concerning the offender to be made by the
staff most acquainted with those offenders

78
8.1.3. CONCLUSION:

Preparing current and future offenders to be productive members of society

upon release through programmes and design will benefit both the individual
and society, and ultimately aid in breaking the vicious cycle of crime. The
solutions and recommendations uncovered through the thesis, play a major role
in establishing guidelines for developing centres that will reduce the gap in
transition between the centre and society to better facilitate re-entry. It. Current
systems of rehabilitation and reintegration that employ the balance of the
paradox: autonomy and control, can be executed through design to effectively
reduce recidivism

The research of the architecture of incarceration has enlightened me on the

foundational reasoning of why our correctional system functions as it does,
through all of its pitfalls and complications. It has educated me on global
alternatives of creating successful rehabilitation environments, and has changed
the way I observe institutional architecture through a lens addressing deeply
unsettling privacy issues, and the basic environmental elements we often take
for granted such as access to nature, natural light, windows, aesthetics and
freedom of choice
Unlike Western prisons which face a problem owing to the solitary confinement
system, the Indian penal system is facing the reverse problem, owing to the
problem of overcrowding in prison cells. There is much left to be explored in the
avenue of Indian prison architecture. Many prisons like the Cellular Jail in Port
Blair are modelled on the historic British system of prison design. If India is to
truly implement its rehabilitative prison programmes at large in the country to
counter the increasing menace of crimes and repeat offences, it must embark on
the development of an Indian prison model. Much of our Indian philosophy is
based on the theory of self-improvement as a way of life. Yoga and work have
formed a core of our ancient traditions. Taking these learning further in to

79
reformatory programmes for prisons would be very challenging, especially
considering the problems posed by overcrowding, violent behavior and illiteracy.
The point of this dissertation has been to attain an overview of the possible ways
in which architecture can transform itself to accommodate changing
programmes and penal philosophies.

To examine this now through the window of the Indian social scenario is a
necessity, and an extremely challenging one. It is not appropriate to transport a
Western ideal into our scenario, but by having an overview of the various
strategies employed elsewhere, we may begin to arrive at a decision about how
we undertake the task of bettering society, starting from the bottom up.

80
 CHAPTER 9

9.1. REFERENCE:

 Wener, Richard, ‘The Environmental Psychology of Prisons and Jails:

Creating Humane Spaces in Secure Settings- Correctional space and
behaviour- privacy ,personal space and territoriality in InstitutionS

 Leslie Fairweather, Prison architecture, policy design and experience

 Model prison manual (Bureau of police research and development ):

http://bprd.nic.in/content/423_1_Model.aspx

 National crime records bureau:

http://ncrb.nic.in/StatPublications/PSI/psimainpage.html

 www.thiharprisons.nic.in

 Sommer, Robert. Tight Spaces: Hard Architecture and how to humanize it.
Prentice Hall, 1974.

 Andrzejewski, Anna V. Building Power: Architecture and Surveillance in Victorian

America. University Tennessee Press, 2008

 http://dl.lib.mrt.ac.lk/bitstream/handle/123/349/pre-text.pdf?sequence=4

 TechnicalGuidance_PrisonPlanning.pdf

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 https://issuu.com/ammaninair/docs/reforming_community

 https://www.archdaily.com/406790/the-architecture-of-incarceration-can-
design-affect-the-prison-system

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