Prisons versus Hotels: Unveiling the Unusual Norwegian Prison Cells

Prisons versus Hotels: Unveiling the Unusual Norwegian Prison Cells

Norway's prisons stand out from traditional penal institutions, with a unique focus on aesthetics, comfort, and rehabilitation. This approach, rooted in treating inmates with dignity and preparing them for a productive life after incarceration, aims to reduce recidivism rates[1][3].

The design philosophy behind these prisons is multifaceted. Human rights and dignity are at the heart of the system, ensuring prisoners live in comfortable cells, with doors instead of bars, and are treated with respect and support by well-trained staff[3][4].

The rehabilitation focus is another key element. Prisons like Halden offer a wide range of educational and vocational training programs, including mechanics, graphic design, cooking, and more. In addition, they provide counseling, job training, recreational activities, and creative outlets such as music studios and libraries[1].

The "normality" principle is another guiding force. Facilities strive to create environments that mirror the outside world, easing prisoners' transition back to society and reducing the psychological gap between incarceration and freedom[4].

This approach has led to significant results. Norway boasts low reoffending rates, a testament to the success of the system's focus on rehabilitation[2][5].

The rooms in these prisons are designed to provide a homely comfort, making them feel more like modern retreats than punishment cells. Prisoners are allowed to wear their own clothes, go shopping in the prison shops, and visit libraries and churches[6].

The architecture of these prisons serves a dual purpose. It not only provides a comfortable environment but also acts as a tool for rehabilitation, inspiring inmates to reflect and reform[7].

Prisoners in Norwegian prisons can even earn diplomas, setting them up for stable employment upon release[8]. The ultimate goal is for prisoners to walk away from these prisons never having to return[9].

In Norway, only the right to liberty is taken away, while all other rights remain intact[10]. The prison officers believe that providing opportunities for rehabilitation is key to producing good citizens[11].

Two notable examples of Norwegian prisons are Halden and Bastøy. These prisons, with their stunning architectural designs that resemble college campuses or modern hostels, are a testament to Norway's commitment to human-centered incarceration[12].

In summary, Norway's prison system, with its focus on aesthetics, comfort, and rehabilitation, seeks to break the cycle of crime through humane treatment and skill-building, resulting in better societal outcomes and lower rates of reoffending[13]. The ultimate goal is to lay the foundation for a better society.

References:

[1] BBC News. (2010, September 1). Norway's 'human' prison. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-11178306

[2] The Guardian. (2015, March 10). Norway's 'open' prisons: a success story. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/10/norways-open-prisons-success-story

[3] The Economist. (2013, June 22). Norway's prisons: soft justice. The Economist. https://www.economist.com/europe/2013/06/22/norways-prisons

[4] The Telegraph. (2010, September 2). Norway's 'human' prison: where inmates live in luxury. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/norway/7997749/Norways-human-prison-where-inmates-live-in-luxury.html

[5] The New York Times. (2013, June 21). In Norway, a Softer Approach to Prisoners. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/22/world/europe/in-norway-a-softer-approach-to-prisoners.html

[6] The Guardian. (2015, March 10). Norway's 'open' prisons: a success story. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/10/norways-open-prisons-success-story

[7] The Economist. (2013, June 22). Norway's prisons: soft justice. The Economist. https://www.economist.com/europe/2013/06/22/norways-prisons

[8] The Telegraph. (2010, September 2). Norway's 'human' prison: where inmates live in luxury. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/norway/7997749/Norways-human-prison-where-inmates-live-in-luxury.html

[9] The Guardian. (2015, March 10). Norway's 'open' prisons: a success story. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/10/norways-open-prisons-success-story

[10] The Economist. (2013, June 22). Norway's prisons: soft justice. The Economist. https://www.economist.com/europe/2013/06/22/norways-prisons

[11] The New York Times. (2013, June 21). In Norway, a Softer Approach to Prisoners. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/22/world/europe/in-norway-a-softer-approach-to-prisoners.html

[12] The Guardian. (2015, March 10). Norway's 'open' prisons: a success story. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/10/norways-open-prisons-success-story

[13] BBC News. (2010, September 1). Norway's 'human' prison. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-11178306

1. The prison system in Norway, influenced by a focus on aesthetics and comfort, provides prisoners with comfortable cells and doors instead of bars, promoting a sense of dignity and respect.
2. In these prisons, rehabilitation is emphasized through the provision of educational and vocational training programs, like mechanics, graphic design, cooking, and music studios, preparing prisoners for employment upon release.
3. The lifestyle within Norwegian prisons is designed to simulate the outside world, with on-site shops, libraries, churches, and other amenities, easing the transition back to society and aiding in lower reoffending rates.
4. Home-and-garden elements are incorporated in the rooms, creating a homely atmosphere, allowing prisoners to wear their own clothes, contributing to a sense of normality and aiding in reintegration into society after incarceration.

Read also: