NBRS is awarded the 2021 American Institute of Architects Justice Facility Award.

NBRS has been awarded the 2021 American Institute of Architects Justice Facilities Award for the Dillwynia Correctional Centre Expansion project. The annual award acknowledges architecture that demonstrates innovation within the justice sector.

Supporting the NSW Premier’s target of reducing reoffending, the expansion of the Dillwynia Women’s Correctional Centre provides a facility that offers a progressive therapeutic solution that promotes rehabilitation. Designed to follow principles informed by trauma, the centre offers meaningful activity and engagement, on a highly constrained site.

A member of the AIA 2021 jury noted "With a true feeling of a residential campus, this facility integrates contemporary correctional ideas into a friendly and relaxed environment."

Informed by best practice in designing for victims of trauma, our approach to spaces was to create a building arrangement that maintained separation, while opening site-lines to aid navigation and a greater sense of freedom. It’s an approach echoed in the landscaping, where harsh edges were softened, and fencing was curved, while an abundance of low planting kept the scale at ground level, reducing anxiety and the feeling of enclosure.

"This project thoughtfully organizes a complex program on a highly constrained site in a way that creates a network of vibrant landscapes that support free movement and a strong connection to nature." - AIA Jury Comment 2021

Congratulations to the entire Secure Spaces team, led by Anthea Doyle for your roles and dedication in creating a fantastic example of a Life Changing Environment. We would also like to thank all of our collaborators in assisting with creating a great result.

For more details on the award win: https://www.aia.org/showcases/...