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Correctional Facilities

The Effect of Natural Light within Prisons
Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Natural light affects humans physiologically (bodily) and psychologically (mentally) in a way that can only be understood when it is taken away for a long period of time. Building a prison that is just as encouraging of natural human necessities as well as providing a detained environment plays a significant role in determining prison layout and design. By strategically placing natural light in the most effective places, prison designers can create a healthier environment that provides for the well being of the society in the end, as inmates are better rehabilitated, and drives down prison operational costs. 

Utilizing natural day lighting in buildings where people spend nearly all day light hours such as schools, offices, manufacturing plants and prisons is proven to enhance productivity and intellectual stimulation. A study by the Heschong Mahone Group, an architecture consulting firm based in Sacramento, concluded that students with the most day lighting in their classrooms saw their reading scores improve 26 percent more and math scores increased 20 percent more than students with the least day light. The study included more than 21,000 elementary students. The effect of natural lighting on the mind and body performance is unmistakable. Prisoners confined in areas that lack natural day lighting experience increased rates of:

  • Depression
  • Suicide
  • Increased need for psychiatric help
  • Sleep disorders

The borrowed lighting design, widely implemented in several US prisons, provides adequate natural lighting while taking into consideration building and medical costs for dealing with side-effects listed above. The prison layout utilizes oversized windows in larger, common spaces where mid-level to less secured prisoners spend most day-time hours. Energy costs are driven down when lighting this large space with natural light.  Inmate cell fronts open up to the common area. With large glass opening in the cell door, natural light filters into cells to provide light to inmates in their cells during the day. As natural light is provided through the cell door, the need for expensive exterior windows in each cell is eliminated.

The borrowed lighting design practice, along side of providing the most efficient natural lighting, significantly reduces the amount of attempted escapes, which in turn creates a safer work environment for prison staff as they are able to directly supervise inmates with direct interaction.

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