Behind the Walls: A Canopy for Repentance

Project by Sophie Renard, be i —

Runner-up entry of Switching Prisons

In a world where punitive confinement dominates the correctional landscape, "Behind the Walls: A Canopy for Repentance" envisions a transformative model grounded in biophilic architecture in prison design. Developed by Sophie Renard and be i, the project advocates for an incarceration model that fosters social reintegration, skill-building, and psychological wellbeing, rather than isolation and punishment.

The design reimagines the prison not as a fortress of exclusion, but as a campus-like environment with spatial configurations that promote interaction, dignity, and growth. Central to this concept is the idea of creating social bonds through proximity to nature and architectural openness. With this approach, the prison becomes an agent of reformation and healing.

The masterplan organizes the facility as a collection of detention modules, each functioning as a self-contained unit within a larger community. Each 10x10m module hosts seven cells and a communal space, with a double-height living area that opens out to natural views. The architecture avoids visual overlap between cells, ensuring privacy while preserving transparency and openness. Key elements such as integrated vegetation, natural materials, and open walkways make the design inherently biophilic—drawing inmates closer to the rhythms of the natural world.

These modules are structured to simulate the dynamics of shared living, akin to roommate arrangements. The inmates prepare meals, dine, and engage in social activities within shared central spaces. By embedding daily rituals into a structured and empathetic spatial design, the architecture nurtures responsibility and connection.

Moreover, the gradual reintroduction into society is facilitated through a spatial transition—each level of access and autonomy corresponds to behavioral progress and participation. From isolated modules to shared corridors and green bridges, the architecture mirrors psychological rehabilitation.

The project’s sensitive treatment of scale, proportion, and vegetation reflects a deeper architectural ethos: restorative justice through spatial design. The use of biophilic strategies, including interior gardens and views of greenery, aligns with research supporting reduced aggression and improved mental health in such environments.

Juror Comments:Adrian Iredale (Director, iredale pedersen hook architects, Australia) remarked: “Thoughtful, well resolved and very clear. Well done.”Michael Spight (Director, TAG Architects, Australia) noted: “Nice balance between hard and soft elements. Views out are uplifting.”Misak Terzibasiyan (Founder and CEO, UArchitects, Netherlands) observed: “Nice solution between nature and architecture.”

Ultimately, this prison typology serves as a canopy for repentance—a place where architecture extends beyond walls and bars to create pathways for reconnection, compassion, and healing.