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In part one of this two part episode of On the Table with Ashley, we delve into the complex and critical issue of prison architecture and the broader systems of incarceration. Ashley engages with Dr. Yvonne Jewkes, a criminologist and prison design expert, who challenges our current approaches to prisons and rehabilitation. The conversation sheds light on the urgent need for a shift in how we design and think about prison systems, focusing on compassion, human dignity, and rehabilitation. At Âme Atendre, we share the belief that thoughtful, empathetic design has the power to transform not only physical spaces but also the way we interact with and care for each other.
One of the most striking moments of the conversation revolved around the new billion-dollar prison built in Utah. Dr. Jewkes shared a story about the prison, which was meant to be a state-of-the-art facility focused on rehabilitation. However, what was touted as a model for a new way of treating incarcerated individuals quickly turned into a disaster. From swampy land causing mosquito infestations to inadequate staff and poor working conditions, this prison was an expensive failure. The prison’s design focused heavily on confinement rather than rehabilitation—echoing the broader flaws in our penal system, which prioritizes punishment over support.
This anecdote served as a powerful reminder of why prison design matters. At Âme Atendre, we deeply believe that spaces should promote growth, healing, and empathy. Much like how a home or workplace is designed to enhance creativity, collaboration, and wellness, a prison environment should encourage rehabilitation and transformation, not just containment.
A central theme that emerged in the conversation was the absence of humanity in many prison systems. Dr. Yvonne Jewkes passionately described how prisons today often feel like institutions designed to break down individuals, rather than helping them rebuild. A poignant example they shared was about a new secure school for children in the UK, opened by a charitable trust called Oasis. The school was intended to provide a supportive environment for children who had committed severe crimes, but there was a controversial focus on “relentless love” in the facility’s design.
Yvonne explained their discomfort with this approach. While the intent was undoubtedly good, they questioned whether the children in this facility, many of whom had faced significant trauma and a lack of love in their own lives, could truly understand or process love within the confines of a secure facility. The idea of forcing “love” upon children in a setting where they cannot leave or make choices feels, to Dr. Jewkes, more like power and control than compassion.
This insight resonates deeply with the values of Âme Atendre. We believe that true connection and empathy cannot be forced—they must be nurtured in spaces that feel safe, authentic, and empowering. This aligns with our belief that design, whether in a home or in a prison, should always honor the autonomy and humanity of individuals.
As the discussion continued, Dr. Jewkes also spoke about the unintended consequences of building more “humane” facilities without questioning the underlying systemic issues. For example, in some parts of the United States, the introduction of more “rehabilitative” schools and facilities unintentionally led to an increase in incarceration rates, as judges felt more comfortable sentencing youth to these institutions, assuming they were “better” than traditional prisons. The result? A massive increase in the number of young people in the system, without addressing the root causes of their behavior.
This struck a chord with the values of Âme Atendre, where we believe in tackling problems from the ground up—whether in our communities or in design. Changing the structure of an institution is only one part of the solution to the fundamental issues at play. We need to address poverty, education, and systemic inequality before we can see real progress. Prisons, after all, do not exist in a vacuum—they reflect the broader societal systems that are failing the people within them.
The insights shared in this episode remind us that design has the power to change lives—not only through the aesthetics of a space but by fostering empathy, compassion, and connection. We must apply the same principles of thoughtful design to the spaces where people are incarcerated—spaces that not only house individuals but help them heal and grow.If you haven’t listened yet, tune in to this thought-provoking episode of On the Table with Ashley to hear more about the critical need for prison reform and compassionate design in the spaces that shape our society. Together, we can rethink what it means to create a more humane and just future.
