Imagine how the mental state of convicts will change positively if the jail (read as ‘correction centre’) ensures a decent livelihood, lets them participate in community activities and, above all, gives value to their feelings? The model, developed by B. Lasya Sruthi, a graduate from SRM University School of Architecture (Chennai), as part of her project work, takes these factors into account and is ‘a sure recipe for goodness’.
Sruthi’s visit to Tihar, Andaman, Guwahati, Puzhal (Chennai) and Rajahmundry prisons made her realise that the current arrangements in jails could lead to dejection and frustration, ultimately perpetrating crime or suicidal tendency among inmates.
To enable inmates to overcome the problem, she has designed a hypothetical model of a correction centre, with simulated features of the Rajahmundry prison. While a pyramid-shaped roof enables the navigation of positive energy, providing private space for Mulaqat with family members, colourful interior walls and courtyards, greenery and landscaping add a tinge of hope. “An elliptical open ground with running track at the centre is preferable, as watching oval shape is known to strengthen hope,” Sruthi told The Hindu .
The walls of the electrified perimeter may be used as a teaching tool, with images of national leaders, maps, murals, quotes and other educational contents.
“It is a genuine mix of architecture and psychology, which will further the inmates’ urge to lead a happy life with their families after release,” she added.
A livelihood centre akin to Tihar jail, with units to make agarbathi, soaps, shampoo, bakery, confectionary, shoes and garments will help upgrade the inmates’ skills and make them employable after their release, Sruthi said. Developing vegetable gardens, fields, poultry farms and cattle barns for employing the inmates helps them strip the ‘dead weight’ tag and make them contribute to the economy, she added
Ms. Sruthi, who hails from Naravaripalle, is planning to submit her project report to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who will be arriving here for Sankranti.
Young architect comes up with a jail model that enables inmates to look forward to future
