Reimagining San Quentin
Governor Gavin Newsom's vision for a new "California Model" of forward-thinking carceral spaces will transform San Quentin State Prison, long known as one of the most brutal prisons in America, into a campus for rehabilitation and renewal. Through a fast-moving collaboration with multidisciplinary consultants, thought leaders, staff, and prison residents, we explored how spaces throughout San Quentin, from cells to family visitation areas, could be reimagined as the foundations of a dignified, safe, and transformative system for the future.
Housing was central to the recommendations. Current cells hold two people in crowded and unhealthy conditions. Our work looked at the potential to convert cell blocks like East Block, which has reached the end of its lifespan, to new, more radical uses or code-compliant, single-occupancy spaces, using modular construction strategies to allow for phased replacement without displacing essential programs.
The vision extended beyond the cell— outdoor yards and courtyards were reconceived as restorative green environments, supporting health and reflection. Family visitation rooms were redesigned to feel closer to family living spaces, supporting accountability and connection. Communal kitchens and grocery-style canteens introduced everyday responsibilities and choices. Classrooms, counseling areas, and workshops were distributed throughout the campus to reduce bottlenecks and expand access to education and training.
By reframing San Quentin's spaces, these recommendations show how design can help shift the culture of incarceration. Aligning environments with rehabilitation creates a model for California that can be scaled to other facilities, pointing to a system where dignity, safety, and reentry are central to correctional practice.
Read the report here.
Project Info
Year: 2024
Location: San Quentin State Prison, Marin County, California
Archetype: Prison
Client
Governor Gavin Newsom's Office
State of California
San Quentin Transformation Advisory Council
CollaboratorIDEO