The Architecture of Open Prison. Rethinking Italian Detention Spaces: A Comparison with the Finnish Model

The foundation of the Nordic punitive system lies in its treatment philosophy. To prevent recidivism and foster social recovery, the Nordic approach intends to reduce prison sentences to a minimum. Such principles, adhering to the commitment to social recovery and normality, maintain that prison life should closely resemble outside life, with the conviction that deprivation of liberty serves as the inherent punishment. From the perspective of responsibility, the Finnish open system grants the possibility of working and studying outside the prison perimeter to promote social reintegration and prevent side effects resulting from imprisonment. Different from Finland, rethinking prison spaces has not yet been achieved in Italy. This paper explores the evolution of the prison landscape in a period of significant social changes, seeking an overcoming of current punitive perspectives. Promoting a transformative approach, the paper underscores the importance of investing in knowledge and design experimentations. It highlights the potential of participatory planning to enhance the prison space system while proposing innovative strategies for improving prisoner welfare and fostering social integration.