For my bachelor thesis in Communication Design (2019), I explored the profound effects architecture and design have on the human psyche and body. Focusing on solitary confinement in U.S. ‘Supermax’ prisons, I investigated how extreme spatial conditions impact mental and physical well-being.
The project extended beyond theoretical research into an immersive exhibition, allowing visitors to experience a solitary confinement cell firsthand. I constructed the cell from wooden panels, replicating its stark, oppressive environment. The interior featured concrete-grey walls, taped outlines for the bed and toilet, and an audiovisual installation showcasing a video of an inmate to evoke a voyeuristic experience. Informational materials, including journalistic photography, were displayed outside the cell to provide context and deepen engagement.
This project not only highlighted the psychological and physical toll of solitary confinement but also demonstrated the powerful role of design in shaping human experiences. The thesis was awarded the highest grade (1) and stood out for its innovative approach and impactful execution.
"Sitting in a small box in walking distance of eight feet, this little hole becomes my world, my dining room, reading and writing area, sleeping, walking, urinating, and defecating. I am virtually living in a bathroom, and this concept has never left my mind in ten years."
— Mahmoud Abouhalima, ADX Florence, Amnesty International, 2014, p.8
