Halfway House: Ex-Offenders’ Life Skills and Worldview  Development Center (2021)

BArch Architectural Thesis Project
Bangkok, Thailand
9,485 sq.m.

At present, imprisonment is used as a criminal penalty within the justice system to maintain social order and compensate victims. However, beyond restricting an individual’s freedom, imprisonment continues to affect people even after their release. Former prisoners often face challenges such as social rejection, loss of personal relationships, limited job opportunities, and a diminished sense of self-worth. The stigma of having been incarcerated leaves a deep imprint, making them afraid to reengage with society. They may lack confidence and constantly feel judged or unforgiven, which leads to a heightened state of self-consciousness and social anxiety.

When they are unable to withstand social pressure or find meaningful support, many return to crime. This cycle contributes to high rates of recidivism. Statistics show that 15 to 20% of exonerees reoffend, largely due to the absence of support during the critical transitional period after release.

According to American researcher Harber G. Collision, the first 90 days after release are especially high-risk. During this period, former offenders often struggle to readjust due to anxiety about reintegrating into society. This highlights the need for spaces and organizations that can provide referrals, guidance, and a sense of belonging.

This project responds to that need by supporting the life transitions of ex-offenders during the crucial first 90 days after release. It proposes an architectural intervention that functions as a strong social junction — a supportive space where ex-offenders can reconnect with the community and rebuild their lives, reducing the risk of recidivism through structured support and social inclusion.

This architectural project explores how spatial design can support the rehabilitation of ex-offenders by integrating principles from Travis Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory, which suggests that individuals with strong social ties are less likely to reoffend. The theory identifies four key bonds—belief, attachment, commitment, and involvement—which serve as the foundation for both programmatic and architectural interventions aimed at preventing recidivism. Each zone within the project corresponds to one of these factors and is designed to enhance specific aspects of reintegration.

The Belief Zone encourages individuals to release past mistakes and adopt a renewed sense of self through spaces such as the Free Association Space, Confession Space, Peace Day Ceremony Space, and Memoirs Space.

The Attachment Zone strengthens emotional connections and trust by fostering relationships with supportive volunteers, featuring a Communication Group & Social Therapy Area and a Screening Area.

In the Commitment Zone, stable occupational bonds are cultivated through fair compensation and structured engagement, facilitated by a Workshop Room and a Shop.

Finally, the Involvement Zone promotes active participation in community life, enabling ex-offenders to experience social acceptance and personal growth through an Event Area and an Exercise Area.

Together, these spatial strategies form an environment that not only reflects but actively reinforces the social bonds essential for meaningful reintegration.