The imprisoned body and architecture for misbehaviour : Corradino Correctional Facility as a case study

Abstract

Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF) is the only prison in Malta. Despite an extension undertaken in past recent decades, it dates to the earlier part of the nineteenth century. The recidivism and suicide rate at this facility is one of the highest in the world. This research addresses the relationship between penal architecture and (i) Maltese society and (ii) the imprisoned body which resides at the facility. A quantitative study was undertaken on a sample from Malta’s institutions of tertiary education, namely the University of Malta and The Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology. Also, a qualitative study – notably interviews with past inmates and professionals at CCF – was undertaken. These were supplemented with an existing photographic survey of the facility. Findings reinforce the literature that prison architecture not only affects inmates’ wellbeing and quality of life, but it leaves a long term effect on their mental health and their perspective of life. Although ‘not in my backyard’ approach is the general approach when it comes for site selection for a new correctional facility, there is a significant trend in Maltese society which favours rehabilitation instead of exclusive punishment. The study concludes by identifying a number of design policy criteria aimed to address correction of the offenders and their rehabilitation for eventual successful re-integration with society. Pragmatic recommendations for retrofitting CCF and an alternative mode of incarceration which address the well-being of the inmates was proposed.