Creative Reuse of Vacant (Or Soon to Be) Spaces
I moved to Illinois in 1976, over 35 years ago, to take a job with the National Clearinghouse for Criminal Justice Planning and Architecture at the University of Illinois. I didn’t know much about prisons and jails then, but it wasn’t long before I found out they had become big business and were about to get even bigger.
Midway through the schematic design for the new Nisqually Public Safety Complex, I experienced a “wow moment.” I realized that our client, the Nisqually Tribal Police and Corrections Departments, practiced a remarkably successful form of restorative justice. The Nisqually form of restorative justice fuses traditional cultural values of spirituality, family and community with a highly respected and modern system of justice.
I joined Justice Solutions Group (JSG) two years ago to see how my 44 years of architectural experience might be helpful when applied to Indian Country justice center designs. While all tribes have unique cultural aspects I’ve learned that a common theme is their belief that the family has an integral part in the process of returning offenders to their communities as healthy human beings.
By Shelley Zavlek, president, Justice Solutions Group
Recognizing longtime and emerging industry leaders.
Winners announced at annual Corrections Summit.
