Authors: Mrunmai K. Pathare, Under the Guidance of, Prof. Jayant Ingole, Prof. Saiyam Chaturvedi
Abstract: Juvenile correctional facilities should promote protection, rehabilitation, education, emotional wellbeing, and social reintegration rather than functioning as prison-like institutions focused solely on security and confinement. Many existing facilities lack therapeutic spaces, recreational areas, vocational training, natural light, ventilation, and quality environments, negatively affecting juveniles' behavioural and psychological development. This research examines how therapeutic architecture can support emotional healing, behavioural change, skill development, and successful rehabilitation through human-centred design. The study evaluates key architectural elements, including spatial planning, counselling spaces, educational facilities, landscaping, recreation, and vocational training, and their impact on juvenile wellbeing. Using a qualitative and analytical approach, including literature review and comparative case studies of the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Udyog Kendra (Yerawada, Pune) and the Nepal Juvenile Observation Home, the research identifies the limitations of conventional correctional environments. The findings demonstrate that therapeutic, child-sensitive, and rehabilitation-oriented design enhances emotional wellbeing, reduces stress, improves social interaction, encourages positive behaviour, and supports successful reintegration into society. The study concludes that architecture is a powerful rehabilitative tool capable of creating safe, humane, and healing environments for children in conflict with the law.
