SECOND CHANCES: A Reformative Correctional Center for Women; an Extension of Adiala Jail

Abstract

Incarceration is not meant to be pleasurable; however a combination of strict sentencing guidelines, budget shortfalls and a penal philosophy of corrections have made today's prisons much more unpleasant and much less likely to rehabilitate their inhabitants. According to common perception residential, legislative, commercial and institutional building typologies are given significance to be profoundly thought about with reference to architecture, while on the other hand typologies whose users are "segregated and rejected" from the society are given no such importance. Architects should attempt to encourage design that facilitates rehabilitation rather than emphasizing on the punishment, serving the intrinsic purpose/function of a correctional facility that is to transform inmates positively by imposing discipline and regulations. This would not only inculcate a positive social behavior in the inmates but also would secure a better future for them post release. Giving them an opportunity to reintegrate into the society rather than alienating them as imprisonment is the punishment and architecture should not be "The sentence is to take away the freedom .... Everyday life should not be a sentence." - Gudrun Madlen, Halden Prison Architect, HLM Architecture The females in the correctional facilities with reference to Pakistan often require a different kind of treatment at the hands of the prison system; however due to lack of facilities and requirements being met they end up having several adverse social and psychological problems, Most of the prisons in Pakistan have been functioning the way they used to since the British colonial time period, following the same rules, hence requires immense improvement and up gradation in terms of its infrastructure, architecture and philosophies. As one enters a space, be it positive or negative, he/she is psychologically affected by that space. Penal architecture is a part of the punishment regime, the effects of the indoor environment on the inmates and their physical and psychological comfort are not considered hence modern concepts of penal theories emphasize more on the rehabilitation of the detainees; it is believed the contemporary institutions should focus more on the effect of the building environment on the individual. Architecture is one of the most powerful tools to deal with the confined users, using interior spaces , spatial planning/layout and incorporation of the natural surroundings for helping the inmates using the environment for treatment and targeting the underlying psychological issues that made them commit the crime in the first place. The interaction of the interior spaces affects the inmates even after release. This project aims at providing a conducive and humane environment to the females in the correctional facility by creating an extension to Adiala jail, where they can be facilitated considerably, as well as benefit from each other while inculcating a sense of community which would lessen the sense of longing and isolation. In order to positively influence their thought process and instill within them a sense of hope and faith towards the future to come. Thus, the main objective is to alter the way one perceives a prison, not just as a place meant for punishment but primarily for reformation and rehabilitation