'A Prison Is a Prison': Perspectives From Incarcerated Men on the Therapeutic and Punitive Aspects of Halden Prison in Norway.

This article examines incarcerated men's perceptions of Halden prison in Norway, a maximum-security facility designed with biophilic and humane architectural principles intended to promote mental wellbeing and rehabilitation. Using surveys and interviews, the study found that while inmates highly valued private single-occupancy cells for providing privacy and a sense of autonomy, they generally did not perceive the prison's design or green spaces as having therapeutic or motivating effects. Despite Halden's emphasis on normality and reduced physical security measures, many inmates still experienced core "pains of imprisonment," particularly losses of liberty, autonomy, and family connections, which overshadowed any benefits of the environment. The findings highlight the complexity of how prison design interacts with the lived experience of incarceration and suggest that meaningful improvements in autonomy, surveillance, and family contact are crucial alongside architectural features to support rehabilitation.