History: Prison Maps Blog Post

Architecture plays a crucial role in the making of an effective prison. In the United States alone, we imprison more than 2 million people per year, and the number continues to rage on. While our country borders mass incarceration, new prisons are being constructed everywhere. To prevent overcrowding, prison architects take years to predict, construct, and fill a prison. On www.prisonmap.com, we explored the differences between prisons around the country to see how prison architecture varies depending on the prisons needs. 

Every single prison around the world is unique, different, and distinctive when compared to others. This prison (shown below) is just one example of prison design and shows the ideal structure for safety, surveillance, and recreation. Large patches of green space and woods provide separation from society that many would expect from a prison. However, there is one thing that makes this prison unlike most, and that is that it borders a suburban community. A wall of trees blocks the prison from the domestic area, and eases any concerns that residents would have about their safety. The borders enclose numerous buildings that make up the prison. The main facility is divided into sections, and green space intervenes with the structure of the building. When a prisoner leaves their cell, it is likely that they will have the opportunity to step on a patch of grass to breath in fresh air, which is something that is not offered at other correctional facilities. To make circulation around the prison easier for officers, each building has road access. The lengthy roads circle around the main facilities and branch off into the side buildings. Because of the large amount of land shown on the map, prisoners have a lot of space for recreational activities. To ensure safety and protection for outside citizens, the prison has a long entryway. From the long roads to the main facilities, this prison layout is distinctive. From a birds-eye view, the structure of this prison is well-developed, effective, and, most importantly, safe.