The exploration of the relationship between social reintegration processes and the built form : a proposal for a reentry rehabilitation centre for released ex-prisoners.
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Date
2010
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Abstract
South Africa as a developing country faces the challenges of providing a better life for
all its citizens. The South African society is of two extremes, a small population of the
wealthy and a large portion of the poor. In a growing economy there is an increase in
the gap between rich and poor. The rich work to keep their wealth and the poor work
but struggle to provide the bare necessities for their families. The challenges facing
South Africa are of alleviating poverty, through providing adequate shelter, jobs,
education and health for all South Africans. These are essential elements that are
needed to create better communities and functional families. The solutions to these
problems are sometimes not thought through and integrated with other sectors of
society. This leads to quick fix solutions to deep routed problems which are isolated
to the countries’ developments.
South Africa has a deep history rooted in apartheid. Living within a post apartheid
society South Africans have inherited a built environment that was aimed for specific
segregated population groups. In a democratic society people have an opportunity of
“equal sharing” within the economy. This leaves a large portion of the population
struggling to rid themselves of poverty. These are the major issues which lead to
committing crime and consequently imprisonment. This research study specifically
deals with the correctional services institutions built form, rehabilitation and
reintegration processes for the ex-prisoner. The built forms role in society can be far
reaching and shape the life form of its inhabitants. It can facilitate a positive role in
deterring the social ills of society. Presently the built environments cannot
accommodate the growing and integrated population groups.
The role of the correctional facilities is important in providing safe communities by
removing those individuals harmful to society. A thorough approach to imprisonment,
rehabilitation and social reintegration of ex-prisoners will assist in keeping safe
communities. The understanding of prisons, their environment and the role of the built
form with regards to social reintegration processes is important. This will assist in
lessening the amount of recidivism of ex-prisoners once released. This research seeks
to establish the role in which the built form can support rehabilitation for ex-prisoners
in the view of reintegrating them back into society.
Description
Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.
Keywords
Rehabilitation centres--South Africa--Designs and plans., Prisons--South Africa--Designs and plans., Criminals--Rehabilitation--South Africa., Theses--Architecture.