Design Bar: Hospitals, Prisons and Secure Youth Homes

How do we design environments that promote health and recovery – even in secure institutions? At this evening’s Design Bar, we explore the role of design in shaping everyday life in hospitals, correctional facilities and secure youth homes.

Research shows that well-designed environments and access to greenery contribute to recovery and wellbeing. While this perspective is well established in the design of healthcare environments, how does it apply to other institutions where people live, work or spend extended periods of time, such as prisons and secure youth homes?

In early 2025, the Swedish Government presented a new strategy for vibrant and safe cities (Ny strategi för levande och trygga städer ↗), highlighting health, greenery and safety as key qualities in the creation of well-designed living environments. In the same year, Specialfastigheter was allocated SEK 57 billion for the expansion and development of Sweden’s correctional facilities.

How are ambitions for high-quality living environments translated into the design of institutions such as correctional facilities? How can the physical environment influence recovery, rehabilitation and social relationships? And what lessons from healthcare environments could inform the development of other institutional settings? These are the questions we will explore during this evening’s Design Bar.

The evening begins with a panel discussion featuring invited experts and concludes with a workshop.

Programme

17:30 Panel discussion

• Emma Olbers, Designer
• Franz James, PhD, Assistant Professor in Furniture Design, HDK-Valand, University of Gothenburg
• Moderator: Olle Lundin, ArkDes

18:15 Workshop

19:00 The programme ends

ArkDes Design bar is a recurring evening programme that explores the role of design in sustainable societal development. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase on site.