Lochlan Fraser

Individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) are astonishingly overrepresented in the carceral system. This project proposes a dedicated transition centre for individuals with an ABI in their last 12 months of a sentence, building trust and mutual understandings between residents, staff, neighbours, and the broader community. Through its siting and program, the project exposes the public to the realistic and human situations faced by those living with an ABI. It also provides residents an opportunity to establish connections and routine in an urban setting. The result aims to reduce stigma and increase comfort through exposure and a gradual invitation to interact.

Best in Studio: 'Carceral Geography'

Most outstanding design project in the studio 'Carceral Geography,' in the Master of Architecture.

Ground Floor Plan

Some key effects of an ABI include confusion, memory loss, and processing new information. Key to accommodating these effects, involves establishing routine, memories, connections and systems to utilise in day-to-day life. The proposal is sited in Fitzroy, on Victoria Parade. A site selected as it presents a realistic version of life outside of prison in an urban setting. The urban residential environment of Fitzroy presents an opportunity to establish these routines through environment and daily regular occurrences surrounding the site that are common in similar residential settings.

Diagrams

The lived experiences that have been shared through various studies and enquiries communicate an overwhelming feeling of being unrecognised, overlooked, dismissed, disrespected and confused. With many suggesting that these feelings continue upon release from prison. In response to these stories, a series of diagrams have been developed to capture some of the most important priorities for someone leaving prison with an ABI.

Interaction 1 - Arriving

An awareness established between two residential settings.

Interaction 2 - Settling

An opportunity to nest and plan days in a personal setting with layers of choice and privacy enabled - allowing a feeling of home and views of similar.

Interaction 3 - Engaging

A series of therapy spaces with options for selective engagement and inbuilt slowness, allowing opportunities to retreat or engage easily.

Interaction 4 - Welcoming

A communal space and drop-in centre for current residents, past residents, and members of the community to participate, enabling sustained relationships and direct interaction.

Best in Studio: 'Carceral Geography'

View all