NCJ Number
131597
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: 1991 Pages: 27-30
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
While architecture can play a lead role in introducing and facilitating change in prisons, it cannot achieve or maintain it.
Abstract
Architecture has often become the lightning rod for criticism of a new philosophical direction. Throughout the history of corrections, it has always been easier to criticize the architecture than to question the validity of the operational response. When a correctional facility is designed and constructed to respond to a new philosophy, the structural form may demonstrate that current operational modes are no longer appropriate. As successful community integration will largely depend on continuing correctional practices, the usual role of architecture to respond to initial criticisms must now be assumed by operations. This will require that correctional operators present a strong, consistent, and holistic approach to meeting the challenges without relying on physical solutions. Current developments toward a more normalized correctional architecture should be viewed as a transitionary phase that prepares and challenges operators to develop new modes aimed at realizing the more fundamental goal of community integration. (Author abstract modified)