2024 AIA Award for Public Architecture Yatala Labour Prison Redevelopment
- GGA
- Apr 3, 2024
- 1 min read
The ground breaking Yatala Labour Prison sets a new benchmark, transforming thinking about correctional facilities. Rooted in trauma-informed design, the architecture integrated a range of measures to normalise environments to reduce stress, demonstrating a deep understanding of how the physical environment affects identity, worth and healing.
With a philosophy rooted in trauma-informed design, a range of measures to normalise environments were introduced to reduce stress and support rehabilitation. A major innovation was the elimination of the typical services floor above the accommodation. Careful routing of services to avoid penetration of fire separation lines allowed for a voluminous common area with a ply clad raked ceiling, clerestory windows and slimline skylights (as opposed to typical deep 3m shafts) to create views to sky and treetops. While adhering to the stringent requirements for security and safety, biophilic design principles including daylight, natural materials, acoustic treatments, nature motifs and landscape views foster wellbeing.
Photography: David Sievers
