In the “Positive Trends: How New Design Approaches are Improving Outcomes” session at this years conference, Gregory Cook will lead a discussion aiming to challenge preconceptions about detention facilities and present alternative approaches that aim to be restorative through the design of architectural environments. These designs are founded in principles of evidence-based practices, restorative approaches through sensory and biophilic design. In the Q&A below, I had the chance to consult two of the speakers for this presentation, Gregory Cook and Erin Costino Persky about these topics in anticipation of the session. Enjoy and don’t miss the full presentation at the conference on Friday, November 7th at 8am.
Q1: What is an evidence-based practice?
Gregory Cook: EBP is a framework for decision making that utilizes research to inform direction. In corrections, this research could include topics such as elevated stress, success of programming in reducing recidivism, and decreased incidences of violence.
Erin Costino Persky: Evidence-based design is, very simply, looking to research to inform design. We’ve learned over time that the physical environment can strongly impact human psychology and physiology and using evidence to make design decisions that impacts humans for the best is the crux of evidence-based practice. This is particularly important for justice architecture—when designing a correctional facility, we are designing spaces that people are going to be inhabiting 24/7, as well as staff who spend decades working in the facilities—therefore, we need to address basic human needs in the design, such as natural light. When designing a courtroom, it needs to be designed in such a way as to not make a defendant appear guilty, and the space should also reflect the symbolic ideals of justice. When designing law enforcement facilities, there is a growing trend toward integrating community functions based on research favoring this integration. These considerations are all based in evidence provided by research.
Q2: How does restorative practice aim to expand sensory considerations in the design of these building types?
Gregory Cook: Restorative design includes elements that are intended to enhance spatial understanding by addressing all of our senses and lessening the dominance of the visual aspect.
Erin Costino Persky: Using restorative design features allows the architect to alleviate the stresses caused to all the senses—for example, architects are working to better the acoustics in correctional facilities because research has shown the detrimental impacts that intrusive and unpredictable noise has on stress levels. Or, providing some form of “views” or access to nature. Smell is also receiving more and more attention in correctional environments.
Q3: In what ways does an evidence-based approach differ from a typical approach in the design of a correctional facility?
Gregory Cook: EBP can often lead clients in new directions by allowing them to reconsider current and past practices in an effort to achieve better outcomes.
Gregory Cook AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CCHP, is a Senior Project Designer in the St. Louis office of HOK and the founder of the Justice Design Exchange (http://justicedx.com/), a forum for the discussion of ideas relating to the planning, design and operation of justice facilities.
Erin Costino Persky, Assoc. AIA is a Correctional and Courts Planner with Jay Farbstein & Associates. She was the 2012 Academy of Architecture for Justice Research Scholar and currently serves on the AAJ’s Communications Committee. Erin is a recent Master of Science in Architecture graduate and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior and a Master of Science in Political Science, during which time she has gained extensive research experience informing institutional justice and design.