CTRL SPACE: THE NEW PRISON SYSTEM

Ctrl Space, the New Prison System is an urban experiment that aims to operate with low- level of crime offenders with sentences up to four years. The programme is extremely adaptable and applicable to any other international penal establishment. However, it has been designed specifically to serve the needs of the Scottish prison system. The inmates are representatives of all crime categories introduced in Scotland and integrated into four different levels of security- Level A, Level B, Level C and Level D, depends on the character of their criminal case.
Level A is designed for violent offenders with a strict security control. Level B locates less violent criminals, however still risky to the society. Level C has the most freedom of them all, designed for no violent prisoners, predominantly accused for crime of dishonesty. They would be able to integrate with the locals who are living on the territory of the prison and interact with inmates from the other two levels- A and B. However, Level A and B offenders, which have a controlled flexibility in the penal establishment, could obtain more freedom if only they are willing to be educated and skilled in farming and participate in the programme. In such a way, they could be relocated in a level with better facilities and more flexible security control.
The prison landscape’s character changes in the different levels- staring from evergreen shrubs and ornamental grasses for Level A, through few herbaceas and small flowers in Level B, finishing with a flowery, vibrant inner yard in Level C Prison. The idea behind the vivid landscape is a reflection of the neoclassical landscape designs from 18th century when they were designed specifically and only for the high class. Implementing these ideas into the prison’s landscape corresponds with the fact that more vibrant designs could be also applied to diverse levels of the social hierarchy.
The new prison system will not be only an urban experiment but also a social one. The social integration of the inmates could be accomplished in Level D where the realised prisoners, could be accommodated in host families within the programme site for a specific period of time, use the prison’s facilities and live in a healthy and exemplar living environment.