The Academy of Architecture for Justice (AAJ) promotes and fosters the exchange of information and knowledge between members, professional organizations, and the public for high-quality planning, design, and delivery of justice architecture.
A 20-plus-year transformation culminates in the creation of two wholly different facilities with common goals: rehabilitation, wellness, and reintegration with the community. Through investments in expanded programming, staff development, and contemporary facilities, the Maine Department of Corrections (DOC) has made a systemwide transformation, fittingly culminating in Reentry Centers for their male and remale populations. Through a gender-responsive lens, the common goals converge. The women’s facility, designed in a modern aesthetic, is future-focused and heavily programmed; ensuring the wellness of the client is the primary goal. Situated within a population center, the facility has access to medical and behavioral health assets, job training, and family reunification support systems. The men’s center is more externally focused, located in a rural region in need of reliable labor and reinvestment. Life and work skills are the guiding principles for this facility. Rehabilitation and reconciliation benefits contribute to both the wellness and resiliency of the community.01:00:19