Carcere minorile e spazi aperti: dalla ricerca al progetto del benessere. Outdoor Juveniles Carceral Spaces: from Research to Design for Well-being

The paper discusses some data about juvenile detention in Italy and presents the results of a participatory regeneration process in a prison outdoor area in Rome. According to the data, the number of detained juveniles in Italy is low, and the whole prisons have several maintenance and space organization issues. The open space interested in the project is an empty, neglected garden of about 600 sq.m. used during school breaks. The research in action develops six steps. 1. Questionnaires were initially delivered to the prisoners to understand their profiles, needs, and perspectives. 2. A workshop was held during school hours in the morning, with a twofold objective of providing basic knowledge on measuring the spaces and applying the acquired skills to draw the outdoor area. 3. The participants then created a simple model of that area to identify their requests. 4. The research team developed the final project approved by the direction of the prison. 5. Currently, the activities for implementing the project are underway with the direct participation of the prisoners. 6. At the end, an evaluation of the use of the space is planned. The paper discusses the whole design process and focuses on the crucial problems of prison architecture, where the rules are strict. Promoting the psycho-physical well-being of users, already deprived of their freedom, is a challenge for research and design, and it is part of the fourth academic mission.