Designing for thermal comfort in prisons

Abstract

Designing for thermal comfort in prisons: Playing Russian Roulette with prison design. People housed within total institutions generally have little choice in regulating their thermal environment. Heating and cooling are typically externally regulated, clothing and bedding are often rationed and there is limited opportunity to increase metabolic rate through increased food consumption or exercise. In Australia, there are no binding guidelines or rules to the standard of accommodation to be provided for prisoners and prison conditions vary significantly. This paper will discuss the range of issues relating to thermal comfort and design on a national and international scale and why governments, correctional agencies, planners and designers need to sit up and take notice.