Incorporating Trauma-Informed Design Into Your New or Renovated Juvenile Facility
PLANNING A NEW OR RENOVATED JUVENILE FACILITY?
Incorporating trauma-informed design is easier than you think and can often be done for no additional cost.
Trauma-informed design prioritizes safety, comfort, and healing environments with a key focus on providing ways for youth to selfregulate behavior. Studies show that incorporating trauma-informed design strategies into juvenile facilities can diminish incidents of delinquency and lead to a reduction in recidivism rates.
Through thoughtful layout, soothing colors, and flexible spaces, youth encounter settings that minimize triggers, promote autonomy, and encourage positive interactions. These environments cultivate trust between staff and youth, fostering security and empowerment crucial for rehabilitation.
Designing a new juvenile detention facility—or renovating an existing one—is always a balancing act between budget, operational needs, and the care and rehabilitation of justice involved youth.
The following are low- or no-cost ways to incorporate important elements of trauma informed design into a juvenile facility:
ACOUSTICS AND LIGHTING DESIGN
Noisy classrooms are a disadvantage for youth with hearing loss. Replacing standard acoustical ceiling tiles with highNRC tiles can significantly improve acoustic performance and educational outcomes.
Fluorescent lighting is a common sensory trigger. Use of natural light, adjustable light levels, and LED fixtures is an easy way to address sensory over-stimulation and provide better learning environments.
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS AND FURNISHINGS
Youths who feel trapped and unable to easily exit a room may become agitated. Single-student or two-person desks in rows allow for easier movement and adequate space between individuals.
Movable chairs allow youths to regulate their own personal space. In applications where fixed furniture is required, consider alternative ways to empower youth to adjust their seating, such as swiveling seats, adjustable arm rests, or adjustable base heights.
CALM ROOMS
Calm rooms where youth can retreat to de-escalate stressful situations have been shown to lower depression and anxiety. Calm rooms should generally be small and feature lower lighting levels, earth tone colors, and porthole style windows for staff to monitor youth.
USE COLOR STRATEGICALLY
Colors can improve the visual interest of a space and can have a positive effect on youth. One study found that the ideal classroom color scheme for a youth detention facility includes tan or sand walls, with the teaching wall painted a medium hue of the same color range. Soft colors such as green and blue are recommended in other areas of the classroom, such as the flooring, seating, and artwork.
ZEN GARDEN
Youth can connect with nature in this calming enclosed outdoor garden.
CLASSROOM
Calming color scheme. Adequate space between seating.
GROUP AREA
Flexible smaller group education setting encourages informal social interaction and provides an area for individual study and quiet activity.
CALM ROOM
Tranquil space for youth to retreat from stressful situations allowing for emotional self-regulation.
INDOOR RECREATION
Flexible, indoor space for recreation and events such as career fairs and graduations encourages positive social interaction.
Area for staff wellness, offering quiet space and respite for operational staff.
COLORFUL DOORS
Doors are color-coded to assist with wayfinding and supervision.
This brochure is not meant to provide architectural or legal advice, only to offer the opinion of the author. All new construction or retrofits should comply with existing building codes, zoning laws and fire codes. Licenses and variances should be obtained and inspections should be conducted by the appropriate agency.
STAFF BREAK
ABOUT LIONAKIS
Lionakis is a multi-discipline architectural and engineering firm founded in 1909, with office locations throughout California. Working with Lionakis, you have access to a team of talented professionals who partner with you to design projects that instill civic pride. You benefit from the experience of a firm that, for more than a century, has helped transform communities into more vibrant places to live, grow, and work.
Collaboration and quality services are the cornerstones of our commitment to you. We ensure your project gets the consensus needed to stay on schedule and within budget. In the end, you’ll have an exceptional project and satisfied stakeholders. Working with us, you are part of a team that is dedicated to relationships, performance, and design.
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GET IN TOUCH
Carol Lanham, AIA, Assoc. DBIA, CCM
Civic Projects Lead: Southern California 949.674.1710
carol.lanham@lionakis.com
Maynard Feist, AIA, LEED AP
Civic Projects Lead: Northern California 916.558.1900
maynard.feist@lionakis.com