Introduction
The Swedish Prison Service faces significant challenges with rapidly increasing volumes of inmates and substantial demands for expeditious capacity expansion. The facility in Trelleborg represents the largest construction project to date within the Swedish Prison Service and, once completed, will be able to accommodate a total of 740 inmates, distributed between correctional and remand prison spaces. Therefore, it is more important than ever that what is constructed in Trelleborg ensures a safe, secure, and rehabilitative environment for both inmates and staff. This is particularly important considering that we know the facility will remain in place for at least the next 50 years. A future that is being shaped.
The case study areas must be designed so that inmates can be kept in a safe, humane and efficient manner, and that recidivism is prevented. The design of the facility must support the implementation of interventions that are adapted to risks, needs and receptivity. The premises must provide the conditions for conducting safe, qualitative and efficient operations as well as offering a safe working environment for both staff and inmates. This includes, among other things, energy and cost efficiency, sustainability, requirements for changeability, i.e. generality and adaptability but also premises that offer an appropriate care and treatment environment.
The design of the outdoor environments should be based on ”Evidence Based Design” and the FOU report ”How architecture and design matter for prison services: A rapid review of the literature”.
The area
The site in Trelleborg, Skåne, is based on high quality agricultural land in a coastal setting. The surroundings consists of flat open land with small villages and farms.
Climate
Southern Skåne has a temperate coastal climate, which means mild winters and cool summers compared to other regions at the same latitude. The area receives relatively even rainfall throughout the year, with a slight increase in late summer and autumn. Winter temperatures are usually above 0°C, while summer temperatures are usually around 20°C, but can reach up to 30°C on the hottest days. The Trelleborg area is influenced by the southern Baltic Sea, which contributes to its mild climate. The region is also known for having one of the highest number of hours of sunshine in Sweden, which benefits agriculture in the area.