Thinking That Changes Lives

At NBRS, the thinking never stops. We are always looking at ways at how we can present new ideas to create designs that improve people's lives. This month we are recognising the amazing achievement of our own Samanatha Rouche who embodies this ideal. Samantha’s latest research, Thermal performance: A catalyst for behavioural change has been published in Prison Service Journal (issue 283).

The research explores the adverse physiological and psychological impacts of extreme temperatures on the human body and established why prisoners are considered an especially at-risk group and more vulnerable to temperature-related conditions than most. Additionally, the paper discusses how aged existing infrastructure provides inadequate protection from the elements and how overcrowding in several facilities compounds the heat and subsequent risk, resulting in climate-related unrest.

Samantha was able to identify that thermal discomfort is a widespread problem in Australian prisons because of the age and construction type of existing facilities, coupled with their extreme local climates.

Major contributions to the industry which highlight the need for design changes such as Samantha’s work is why NBRS continues to promote research and celebrate employees who continually make a positive difference.

Read full research article here: Thermal performance: A catalyst for behavioural change