When we design for incarceration, we design for people. That might sound obvious, but in reality it demands a shift in mindset. Prisons are, by their nature, stressful environments. Every door, corridor and interaction can influence behavior and emotion. We consider the prisoner’s full journey through the system, because each stage presents an opportunity to support rehabilitation.
We are continuously exploring how thoughtful, therapeutic design can positively influence outcomes, even within the constraints of highly secure environments. We often design for the “worst case”, the smallest but most challenging cohort and rightly so. Safety and security are paramount. But within that framework, there is significant opportunity to create environments that also support the compliant majority, encouraging responsibility, growth and self-improvement.
First impressions matter
They say first impressions count. In justice environments, they can shape not only immediate judgements but long-term perceptions of hope and possibility.
If someone enters custody and their first experience feels oppressive, bleak and devoid of opportunity, it’s difficult to foster a belief in personal change. Conversely, environments that are calm, well-lit and clearly organised can communicate a powerful message: rehabilitation is both possible and expected.
Our work on HMP Inverclyde demonstrates how these principles can be translated into practice. Shaped through close collaboration between architecture, landscape and interior design, the project delivers a cohesive, human-centred environment that supports rehabilitation from the moment someone arrives. The butterfly arrangement of the house blocks creates smaller, recognisable communities that promote dignity and wellbeing, while generous glazing, intuitive wayfinding and strong connections to nature reduce stress and improve orientation. Purposefully located facilities, including the Community Integration Unit and Family Help Hub, encourage family engagement and support the transition back into society. Designed to reflect the distinct needs of women in custody and aligned with the progressive vision of the Scottish Prison Service, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can create an environment where security and rehabilitation work hand in hand.
We also recognise that these buildings are workplaces. Prison Officers spend long hours in these environments, and the quality of their surroundings directly affects morale, wellbeing and interaction with prisoners. A therapeutic approach is not just about those in custody; it’s about creating spaces that support positive relationships and professional pride.
Designing the journey to rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is not a single moment. It’s a sequence of experiences, each contributing to the bigger picture.
One area we explored in depth is visits, particularly the visitor experience. Maintaining family connections is one of the strongest predictors of successful reintegration, yet the journey to a visit space can often feel daunting and impersonal.
We consider arrival points carefully, creating welcoming yet secure entrances that reduce anxiety. The route to visit spaces matters too. Long distances through sterile corridors can heighten stress; introducing daylight, views out and intuitive wayfinding can significantly improve the experience. The positioning of secure lines is carefully balanced to maintain safety while maximising natural light and visual connection to the outside world.
At HMP Inverclyde, these principles were embedded throughout the visitor journey. Working closely with the Scottish Prison Service, we designed welcoming visit spaces that place dignity, rehabilitation and community at their heart. The Family Help Hub and Community Integration Unit extend support beyond the prison itself, connecting families with vital services and recognising that successful rehabilitation depends not only on the individual, but also on the strength of their support network. By creating spaces that encourage meaningful connections and reduce the barriers often associated with custody, the project delivers social value that extends far beyond the prison walls. In doing so, it has helped establish a new benchmark for custodial design, demonstrating how people-first environments can support long-term wellbeing while informing the future direction of justice design across Scotland.
Within the visit spaces themselves, variety is key. From more formal supervised areas to settings that feel less institutional, and even access to controlled external spaces, design can support meaningful human connection. These details may seem small, but collectively they help normalise interaction and reinforce social bonds – a vital part of rehabilitation.
The final destination: transition
Release is not a finish line; it’s another transition. After a period of incarceration, returning to a rapidly changing world can be overwhelming. From digital technology to employment expectations, everyday life can feel unfamiliar.
That’s why step-down facilities and transitional accommodation are so important. These environments bridge the gap between custody and community, allowing individuals to rebuild life skills, establish routines and regain confidence in a supported setting. By creating spaces that feel more like homes than institutions, we can better prepare people for independent living while reducing the risk of reoffending.
Our work with the Northern Ireland Prison Service at Hydebank Wood Secure College and Prison demonstrates the value of this approach. As part of the wider redevelopment, HLM designed a six-bed Category D Step Down Unit located outside the secure prison perimeter but within the wider campus. Conceived as a domestic dwelling rather than a custodial building, it provides a realistic, supportive environment where long-term prisoners can begin adjusting to life beyond custody. Developed around a village-style concept, the wider scheme creates smaller residential communities supported by shared facilities and services, reflecting the rhythms and responsibilities of everyday life. This graduated approach enables individuals to develop independence in a safe setting, helping build the confidence, resilience and practical skills needed for a successful return to society.
Our experience continues to show that rehabilitation is most effective when the built environment evolves alongside the individual. Transitional facilities like the Step Down Unit demonstrate how thoughtful design can provide the right support at the right time, ensuring the journey from custody to community is not abrupt, but purposeful and progressive.
Designing for hope
Our extensive experience in prison design has taught us something simple but powerful: people are more responsive when they are given opportunities to improve.
Design has the ability to influence behaviour, support wellbeing and create environments where rehabilitation feels achievable. When operational requirements are balanced with empathy and a deep understanding of the people using a space, the built environment becomes an active participant in the rehabilitation process rather than simply the backdrop.
HMP Bronzefield demonstrates this philosophy in practice. The scheme was shaped around the specific needs of women in custody. Smaller residential communities arranged around landscaped spaces help create a more supportive, less institutional environment, while a central ‘winter garden’ provides a welcoming heart to the prison where key services are brought together. Purpose-designed family visit suites, external play areas and a carefully considered Mother and Baby Unit acknowledge the importance of maintaining family relationships, while specialist accommodation such as the High Dependency Unit provides tailored support for those with more complex needs. Every aspect of the design was informed by close collaboration with operational staff and a detailed understanding of the challenges women in custody face, from family responsibilities to the prevalence of self-harm.
A therapeutic approach starts with a first impression that inspires the desire to reintegrate. It continues by encouraging engagement with education, training and family connection. And it is sustained by accommodation that supports a successful transition back into the community.
Good design cannot solve every challenge within the justice system. But it can create the conditions for change. By designing environments that prioritise dignity, wellbeing and opportunity alongside safety and security, we can help people build confidence, strengthen relationships and prepare for life beyond custody. That is how we create places that are not only secure but genuinely support rehabilitation and deliver better outcomes for individuals, staff and society.
