Cruel institutions, such as prisons and hospitals, are designed to be uninviting and unfriendly. This is because they are places of power and control, where individuals are subjected to rules and regulations that are often dehumanising. These institutions are intentionally designed to create a sense of unease, discomfort, and fear. They are often located in remote areas, away from the public eye, further contributing to their harsh and unwelcoming image.
The architecture of these institutions often reflects their purpose. For instance, prisons are built to be intimidating and imposing, with high walls, barbed wire, and small windows. Hospitals, on the other hand, are designed to be sterile and impersonal, with long corridors and clinical, white interiors. This is done to emphasise the power dynamic between the institution and the individuals within it.
There’s a growing trend towards making these institutions more user-friendly and less intimidating. This includes redesigning them to be more welcoming and less institutional. For example, the new Broadmoor Hospital in the UK has been designed with a focus on patient wellbeing and recovery, rather than punishment and control. The hospital features natural light, open spaces, and comfortable furnishings, creating a more positive and therapeutic environment.
The transformation of these cruel institutions is a step towards recognising the dignity and humanity of the individuals within them. It’s a shift towards treating people with compassion and respect, rather than as mere subjects of institutional power and control.
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