NCJ Number
122983
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1990) Pages: 86,88,90
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Various design features in correctional facilities can increase inmates' and staff's sense of privacy and spaciousness, thus reducing the psychological and physiological effects of crowding.
Abstract
A campus-type or central-courtyard design permits more movement, sensory stimulation, and personal choice. The ability to move from housing to various service and program areas can lessen the perception of crowding. The sense of crowding in the housing unit can be eased by reducing the apparent density of the common area with a variety of activity areas. Separate areas can be provided for active and passive activities for small-group interaction instead of for the entire housing unit. Light colors increase the perception of the size and volume of a space, and light can be used to define and emphasize separate activity areas. The arrangement of several small sub-group areas rather than one central seating area can also relieve the sense of crowding. The provision of many activities provides inmates the opportunity to change physical settings and interact with different people. Recent developments to increase privacy range from partially open doors in closed cell fronts to the use of a totally closed cell front. In dormitories, partial-height partitions give limited privacy without compromising security.