For my Final Major Project at university, I focused on the rehabilitation of prisoners. I designed a prison within an unused water cooling tower in the UK, reimagining the incarceration process to prioritise rehabilitation throughout inmates’ sentences. The design introduced initiatives such as creating jobs within the prison, including growing fresh produce, to promote healthier mindsets and lifestyles.

My design also addressed critical factors such as the impact of artificial lighting in prisons, which significantly affects mental health. During my research, I discovered that Norway has one of the lowest recidivism rates globally—only 20% within two years of release and 25% after five years. In contrast, the UK’s recidivism rate is alarmingly high, with 75% of ex-prisoners reoffending within nine years and nearly 40% reoffending within the first year.

This stark comparison highlighted the difference between punishment-focused incarceration in the UK and Norway’s rehabilitative approach, which inspired my vision for a prison designed to reduce reoffending by fostering rehabilitation and personal growth.