Challenges of Human Response in Interiors of Institutions

Interior designers and architects alike design spaces with the best intent. The fact of the matter is once we hand over the keys, the space takes on a life of its own.  A life that may not be what we imagined.  The design of prison interiors is a prime example.  Award winning prisons are being designed around the world, taking into account natural light and softer furnishings, attempting to make the prisons seem more like a college dorm then an institution.    But once the governing agency takes over the facility they may not be able to make the scenarios you designed for a reality.

 

Case in point, the Roy McMurtry Youth Center designed in 2009 by Kleinfeldt Mychajlowycz Architects in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, just outside of Toronto.  According to archdaily.com the 40 hectare site which was originally a women’s prison is now set up to service 192 males and females between the ages of 12 and 17, and up to 300 staff.   The campus style facility was designed with the ideal of the Center which is commonly seen in educational environments.  The buildings on the campus include 6 new residential structures as well as two buildings that were used in the women’s prison.  Everything from the landscaping of the site down to the detail in the residence bathrooms was intended to promote “a healthy public understanding of the ideals of the institution and the residents understanding of their place in their society.” Despite all these design efforts the facility is understaffed and according to thestar.com , dealing with a number of problems.  To begin with the facility is understaffed.  The 22,000 square-foot facility employs 166 full-time employees, budget cuts have prevented them from employing the 200 that the facility needs to function.  Certain areas of the facility aren’t being used because there isn’t enough staff to run them.  The young people in the facilities also complain about the cold sleeping conditions and generally fear for their safety.

What can be done by designers to combat problems like these?   

Reference List:

http://www.archdaily.com/44035/roy-mcmurtry-youth-centre-kleinfeldt-mychajlowycz-architects/

http://www.kma.to/

http://www.thestar.com/investigation/article/723020--superjail-for-youth-raises-troubling-questions