What does it mean to design a detention facility that promotes both safety and second chances?
Thoughtful facility design has the power to support rehabilitation, reduce recidivism and lower long-term operational costs. When buildings are planned with both function and dignity in mind, everyone benefits: from incarcerated individuals and employees to the communities these facilities support.
Too often, though, the systems that serve these individuals operate in silos. The two largest state-level organizations, departments of health and public safety, rarely intersect, making it difficult to align facility needs with care delivery and program success. That’s where intentional design comes in.
At Wold, our interdisciplinary team works closely with counties and communities to design spaces that bridge these gaps. Below, we explore four pillars that are central to creating safer, more supportive and more effective environments.
Facilities that recognize the mental health needs of their occupants and support mental wellness from day one can have a significant impact on outcomes. For incarcerated individuals, trauma-informed features like daylighting, privacy and quiet acoustics help reduce agitation and promote emotional regulation. Integrating behavioral health units and offering pre-booking mental health screenings can further ensure that individuals are receiving the care they need, addressing root causes instead of just symptoms. For staff, these calmer environments lead to fewer incidents, lower burnout and smoother workflows.
For example, Dakota County’s Integrated Health Unit offers a centralized location for inmates with higher medical and mental health care needs within the jail. The space includes skylights, adjustable lighting, warm finishes and nature-inspired artwork, all designed to create a more supportive, recovery-focused environment. Co-located services improve the delivery of care and also reduce the operational burden on staff throughout the rest of the facility.
Safety remains a top priority, but it’s not just about barriers and security measures. A well-zoned, normalized environment can reduce tension and de-escalate conflict for incarcerated individuals. Thoughtful layouts and access to daylight or outdoor views help lower stress levels and create a sense of calm.
On the operations side, design can improve visibility, enhance circulation and support quicker response times. Intuitive floor plans help minimize conflict zones and reduce physical risks, while contributing to a safer, more stable working environment that supports retention.
In Denver, a women’s pod renovation for the City & County Jail took a trauma-informed, gender-responsive approach. The design incorporated communal lounges, indoor exercise spaces and even a hearth-like feature wall – balancing safety, visibility and dignity for both staff and residents.
Detention facilities that foster outside connections tend to produce better long-term outcomes. Family visitation rooms, volunteer access areas and service provider spaces help individuals maintain relationships and access needed support. Many modern facilities also incorporate pre-booking and diversion spaces, preventing incarceration altogether when treatment or intervention is the better option.
Staff can also benefit from this. Community partnerships help share the workload, expand programming options and reduce systemic pressure. When facilities are designed with purpose-built spaces for collaboration, they become hubs for wraparound services, not just detention.
At the Scott County Youth Justice and Rehabilitation Center, Wold worked with local stakeholders to design a facility focused on early intervention. A dedicated resource center connects youth with community programs before they enter the justice system, reinforcing the role of local support networks in long-term rehabilitation.
Every interaction in a detention facility has the potential to shape a person’s mindset and future. From intake to release, thoughtful design can help reinforce dignity, reduce stress and support clear communication. Human-centered environments with calming materials, simple wayfinding and good acoustics help minimize confusion and conflict for incarcerated individuals.
For employees, these design strategies improve daily workflows and strengthen engagement. Organized intake areas, logical circulation and trauma-informed design cues all contribute to safer, more respectful interactions, leading to better outcomes for everyone inside the facility.
Detention facilities serve a dual purpose: keeping people safe and helping them succeed. When designed intentionally, these spaces can support dignity, build resilience and encourage better outcomes for everyone inside.
This kind of human-centered design isn’t an upgrade; it’s a smart, cost-effective investment in long-term community success. At Wold, we partner with clients to align detention facility goals with real community needs, helping you build spaces that work better for everyone.
Let’s design for what’s possible, not just what’s expected.
