"A Case Study of Prisoner Comfort and Safety for a Proposed
Three-Storey Multi-Purpose Building for Regional Operations in
Aringay, La Union"
A Research Paper Presented to the
Architecture Department
Pangasinan State University
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the
Research Methods for Architecture
By
Lyka D. Sinohin
October, 2024
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THESIS QUESTIONS AND OBJECTIVES
Research Question
This research aims to explore the architectural design of multi-
purpose buildings that serve both administrative and detention
functions, with a particular focus on balancing security needs with
humane treatment. The study investigates best practices, regulatory
standards, and architectural innovations that address the challenges of
ensuring safety, comfort, and psychological well-being for prisoners.
Through a comprehensive inquiry, the research seeks to offer insights
into how design can harmonize stringent security requirements with
optimal living conditions in modern detention facilities. With the
following questions:
1. What are the best practices for designing multi-purpose
buildings that house both administrative and detention
functions?
2. What standards and regulations must be met to ensure
compliance with safety and comfort guidelines for prisoners?
3. How can security requirements be incorporated into the building
design without compromising prisoner comfort?
4. What are the key factors that influence prisoner comfort and
safety in a multi-purpose facility?
5. How can the design of the proposed building balance security
with humane treatment and optimal living conditions, such as air
quality, lighting, and temperature control?
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6. What safety features need to be integrated to minimize risks
such as violence, accidents, or escapes?
7. What innovations in prison architecture can ensure a sustainable,
safe, and comfortable environment for all occupants, including
vulnerable populations like the elderly or disabled?
8. What are the psychological impacts of architectural design on
prisoner behavior, and how can these be addressed in the
building's design?
Objectives
This research investigates the architectural design of multi-
purpose buildings that serve both administrative and detention
functions, aiming to balance security with humane treatment. The
objectives include reviewing existing literature on best practices and
standards for such designs, as well as gathering qualitative and
quantitative data from key stakeholders—such as BJMP officers,
architects, and security personnel—on their experiences and
recommendations regarding security integration and prisoner comfort.
By addressing these objectives, the study seeks to propose a
comprehensive framework that ensures safety, comfort, and
psychological well-being in detention facilities. With the following
objectives:
1. To review existing literature on the best practices, standards,
and innovations for designing multi-purpose buildings that house
both administrative and detention functions, focusing on
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security, prisoner comfort, safety, and humane treatment. The
review will also cover relevant regulations and guidelines for
ensuring compliance with safety and comfort standards in
detention facilities.
2. To gather qualitative and quantitative data from key
stakeholders, including BJMP officers, architects, and security
personnel, regarding their experiences, perceptions, and
recommendations on integrating security features, meeting
regulatory standards, and ensuring prisoner comfort in multi-
purpose detention facilities. This survey will explore the
integration of security features, compliance with regulatory
standards, and the balance between prisoner safety and comfort,
with a particular focus on humane treatment and optimal living
conditions for detainees.
3. To propose a practical design solution for a multi-purpose
building that effectively incorporates security requirements,
safety features, and humane living conditions. The design will
address key factors influencing prisoner comfort, such as air
quality, lighting, and temperature control, while ensuring the
well-being of vulnerable populations and minimizing risks.
Additionally, the framework will integrate innovative safety
features, and reduce risks related to violence, accidents, or
escapes, ensuring a balance between security and humane
treatment.
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