The project explores how nature-based and people-focused design principles can improve wellbeing, support rehabilitation, and create more humane custodial spaces. Integrating ecological design, restorative and trauma-informed environments, and social value, this project challenges traditional perceptions of prison landscapes. This project is supported through an AHRC-funded Design Exchange Partnership, led by Professor Dominique Moran and Professor Jon Sadler at UoB, the Ministry of Justice, the Scottish Prison Service and Kier.
As the research fellow on the project, Emma Widopp brings her ongoing research on empathetic placemaking and extensive practice experience of landscape design into the project, demonstrating how landscape architecture can play a vital role in shaping healthier, more sustainable, and more hopeful spaces within the prison estate. The book developed from this project titled "Design Principles for Prison Landscapes: Security, Biodiversity, and Wellbeing, " offers a universal framework for designers, decision-makers, and professionals involved in the planning, operation, and maintenance of prisons. The principles are available for download at www.greenprison.co.uk. The book has also been translated into French.
If you wish to know more about the project or discuss about potential collaboration, please contact Emma Widopp Emma.Widdop@bcu.ac.uk.
Publications and Media:
Widdop, E.C., Moran, D. and Sadler, J. (2025) Design principles for prison landscapes: Security, biodiversity and wellbeing. Birmingham: University of Birmingham.
Widdop, E.C., Moran, D. and Sadler, J. (in press) Principes de conception paysagère en milieu carcéral: Sécurité, biodiversité et bien-être (Translated title: Design principles for prison landscapes: Security, biodiversity and wellbeing). University of Birmingham.
Moran, D. and Widdop, E. (2025) Rethinking prison landscapes: Why green space must be central to penal reform. Penal Reform International Blog, 2 December. Available at: https://www.penalreform.org/blog/rethinking-prison-landscapes/ (Accessed: 16 March 2026).