The Impact of Architecture and Its Applications to Prison Design

Abstract

Architecture is frequently viewed as “frivolous” and is thus not considered a serious political issue that deserves attention and funding. However, this view is too reductionistic and is consequently misguided. In this paper, I argue that architecture has a significant impact on human life and therefore deserves more consideration in public policy, which I then apply to the issue of prison design. I also posit architectural guidelines based on Heidegger’s conception of dwelling, as well as on architecture’s ability to facilitate psychological comfort and moral improvement.