Architecture as a key factor in everyday life
The design of prisons and the day-to-day processes within them have a significant impact on the lives of prisoners and the work of prison staff. But how do the architecture and the design and use of the physical, social and digital spaces in a Berlin prison affect the everyday life, resocialisation and social interactions of prisoners - and how can their psychosocial needs be better taken into account?
A newly published study, led by Prof. Dr Friederike Lorenz-Sinai, Professor of Social Work Methods and Social Work Research, analysed everyday life in a newly built prison in Berlin from various perspectives.
The results show that the open and bright design of the Heidering prison promotes the well-being of prisoners. Transparent structures and views of the countryside help to reduce stress and tension. Communal areas promote social interaction, while detention rooms serve as important places of retreat.
At the same time, the study makes it clear that the architecture alone is not enough to meet all of the prisoners' needs. In particular, there is a lack of sufficient employment and leisure opportunities to take full account of psychosocial needs.

Challenges for prison staff
The architecture also brings both advantages and challenges for the staff of the general prison service. The open-plan design creates a more pleasant working environment, but in combination with staff shortages, it increases security risks. This lack of staff was named by employees as one of the greatest challenges and has a negative impact on workload and security.

Inspiration for future prison buildings
The study emphasises that successful architecture can have a positive effect on the resocialisation of prisoners and on the working conditions of staff. At the same time, it shows that structural and staffing conditions remain decisive for the quality of life and work in prisons.
These findings offer concrete starting points for the planning and renovation of modern prisons. They should serve as a basis for reforms in the prison system and stimulate a social debate on the future of prisons.

About the study
The final report of the ethnographic study "Prison architecture - use of space and everyday experience in a Berlin prison" is available on the OPUS 4 platform.

Cooperation partner:
Justizvollzugsanstalt Heidering (Head: Andreas Kratz)

Funding:
Berlin Senate Department for Justice and Consumer Protection

Project manager:
Prof. Dr Friederike Lorenz-Sinai (project manager)
Professorship for Methods of Social Work and Social Work Research
friederike.lorenz-sinai@fh-potsdam.de

Dr Hanne Balzer
Research assistant
hanne.balzer@fh-potsdam.de

Lara Schaper
Research assistant
lara.schaper@fh-potsdam.de