Contribution of Architecture on Juvenile Rehabilitation Process in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The process of reintegrating juveniles to society from juvenile rehabilitation facilities is as important as the process of rehabilitation. If the rehabilitation process is not conducted properly it would rather be difficult to control the reconvicted/recidivism rates. Hence, the rehabilitation methods must adhere to certain attributes relating to the rehabilitation process, one key aspect being the built environment of the rehabilitation facilities. Humans by nature have an undeniable connection with their environment through physical, mental, emotional and spiritual means. This connection helps to keep a balance within ourselves. Most of the time, unlike adults, juveniles commit crimes or become victims without their own will. It is of paramount importance that this is understood and they are attended with the required special attention in the rehabilitation process. At the stage of admission to the rehabilitation facilities, these youngsters are more likely to be in a very weak state of mind, with the need of protection, self-value, freedom, and to obtain the sense of belongingness in the society as they are reintroduced. This requires improvement of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills before leaving the correctional facility to avoid reconviction/recidivism. The rehabilitation process influenced by architectural attributes was followed in this research would be to understand by location and site planning, spatial organization, provision amenities, supervision and security and visual character. In the Sri Lankan context, it shows that most of the juveniles from facilities that have considered these architectural attributes show comfort when reintegrating with the society as adults whereas others from contradicting facilities show difficulties when reintegrating with the society as adults.