Extensive research in to spatial design allowed me to understand the effect that artificial lighting, prolonged noise and, the environment as a whole can have on human beings. The UK’s prison design possessed many of these factors that inflict negative affects on the prisoners mental and physical well-being. When interviewing people who had previously been imprisoned, I learnt that day-to-day life at the prison hindered their rehabilitation. An increase in prisoners and a fall in staffing due to budget cuts have resulted in prisoners not getting the restorative support they require to rehabilitate. The lack of staff means that one-third of prisoners at HMP Wandsworth are not getting access to jobs and educational programmes within the prison. As a result this causes aggravation and distrust amongst staff and inmates, which in turn affects the manageability and security of the prison.

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It is evident from the Halden case study that constant access to outside and, following a routine they would similarly have in the community, reduces stress and depression. Their cells are modern, light, and private with bursts of colour that has a much-needed positive effect on the inmates. Communal areas create good relationships with the staff and as a result the prison rarely has fights and no one has tried to escape as of yet.

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Overall comparing British and Scandinavian Prison systems highlighted that UK prisons are hugely understaffed. It also revealed that relying on Victorian architecture has curbed the successfulness, whereas Scandinavia’s modern approach has resulted in low reoffending rates. My research proves that design has an impact on a prisoner’s well-being, rehabilitation and their integration back in to society, however it is by no means the sole contributor. Prison regime and day-to-day life also have contributing factors.