GROWING WASHINGTON’SPRISON LANDSCAPESA Design & Construction Guidebook

GROWING WASHINGTON’SPRISON LANDSCAPESA Design & Construction Guidebook

Prepared For:
Washington Department of Corrections
Sustainability in Prisons ProjectPrepared By:
Graham Golbuff, Master of Landscape Architecture candidate, University of Washington-Seattle
Project Team & Advisors:
Kelli Bush, Program Manager, Sustainability in Prisons Project
Anna Crickmer, PE, Project Manager, Capital Programs, Washington Department of Corrections
Troy Hansen, Maintenance Mechanic, Monroe Correctional Complex, Washington Department of Corrections
Sgt. Sarah Lamm, Monroe Correctional Complex, Washington Department of Corrections
Lynne Manzo, PhD, Associate Professor, Landscape Architecture, University of Washington-Seattle
Dan Pacholke, Secretary, Washington Department of Corrections
Julie Stevens, Assistant Professor, Landscape Architecture, Iowa State University
Barbara Toews, PhD, Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice, University of Washington-Tacoma
Joslyn Rose Trivett, SPP Network Manager, Sustainability in Prisons Project
Julie Vanneste, Sustainability Coordinator, Washington Department of Corrections
Daniel Winterbottom, Professor, Landscape Architecture, University of Washington-Seattle
All photos and graphics property of the Sustainability in Prisons Project unless otherwise expressly credited.
Last updated: December 2015.

CONTENTS
IntentINTRODUCTION

Prison Landscapes Today
Historic Prison Landscapes
Innovative Prison Landscapes
Why Modify & Construct Prison Landscapes?

PRE-DESIGN

Establishing Project Goals
Likely Spaces For Landscape Projects
Custody Levels & Project AppropriatenessSite Analysis
Sustainability(Potential) Partners & Resources
Approval Process & Project Sequencing

DESIGN GUIDELINES

What Are Design Guidelines?
Footprints
Buffers
Vertical Elements
Structural Footprints
Materials (General)
Paths
Vegetation
Trees
Furniture & Interactive Elements

DESIGN

Process
Concept & Program
SurveyMarking & Massing

DESIGN ctd.

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31
33
34
35
36

Schematics
Construction Drawing
Visualization: Sustainability
Visualization: Custody Unit Courtyard
Visualization: Outdoor Recreation Area

CONSTRUCTION

Preventative Pre-PlanningSupervision & Crew Management
Tool & Material Management
Sequence & Considerations
Demolition
Rough Grading
Excavation
Drainage
Concrete
Stone & Masonry
Finish Grading
Carpentry
Metal Work
Planting

POST-CONSTRUCTION

Celebration
Monitoring & Evaluation
Maintenance
Resources
Works Cited

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GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPESINTENT
You hold in your hands a collection of illustrations, standards, photos and processes to inspire and support the creation ofunique landscapes within prison environments in the state of Washington. This collection, or guidebook, as it will be referredto henceforth, takes the reader through the entire sequence of prison landscape creation, from idea to implementation.
It has been assembled over the course of 18 months by an interdisciplinary team of 12 individuals that hail from acrosscorrections as well as other professional and academic disciplines, including landscape architecture, criminal justice,environmental psychology, and sustainability.
The phrase “prison landscape” immediately brings to mind the concept of a prison garden, examples of which have beenfound in prisons throughout history. Despite their popularity, gardens are generally not the norm in prison environments, andshould continue to be thought of as unique prison landscapes. However, this guidebook aims to expand the notion of uniqueprison landscapes to include a variety of landscape types and features beyond the garden, including those for passive andactive recreation, environmental sustainability, tangible skill building, and personal growth. In short, this guidebook outlines
the steps for creating nearly any type of prison landscape or landscape element, from a flower bed, to a ball field,
to an artful storm drain.
The process of creation is inherently empowering. An explicit value of the Washington Department of Corrections (WDOC)
is to support the ability for offenders and staff to grow and change. As such, this guidebook serves as a resource for theoffenders and staff of WDOC to conceive and implement unique prison landscapes. After all, they are the people who spend
the most time in Washington’s prison environments, and are uniquely positioned to shape these often underutilized spaces.
We also intend for this guidebook to be useful to additional audiences, including designers, builders, social justice advocates,
academics and administrators. While the processes, standards and details described in the document are specific to WDOC,
they can feasibly be adapted for use by other correctional jurisdictions. Ultimately, it is our hope that this guidebook is
helpful to anyone that wants to help change a prison landscape, no matter their identity or role.

iINTRODUCTION

Vegetable garden and picnic seating at Rhode Island’s Women’s Minimum Security Facility. Photo: Garden Time; Providence, RIGROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Introduction
PRISON LANDSCAPES TODAY

Coyote Ridge Corrections Center

Within the perimeter, the majority of modern prison landscapes are
immediate in their simplicity. Almost all prison grounds are composed ofsome assortment of fencing, concrete pathways, large lighting fixtures,and flat stretches of turf. More complex vegetation and other landscapeelements are largely absent.
The standard layout of a prison landscape does provide for highfunctionality, which helps influence the safety of a facility. The
preservation of sight lines, the ability to move people quickly, thepotential for broad application of a maintenance technique, andthe ability to reduce costs are just a few of the reasons that prison
landscapes have evolved as they have.

Monroe Correctional Complex

Amy LindemuthStafford Creek Corrections Center

Washington Corrections Center For Women1

Benj Drummond & Sarah Joy Steele

INTRODUCTION

Introduction
HISTORIC PRISON LANDSCAPES

Side Yard Gardens at Alcatraz Island, CA, 1869

Bill Noble

Conventional wisdom would lead one to believe that prisons are
institutions that are mostly permanent and unchanging in nature.
When viewed through a historical context, however, we see that
prisons are in fact dynamic places whose typical layouts andspatial arrangements have changed significantly over time.
Since the inception of the US penitentiary system approximately
170 years ago, a strong self-sustaining ethic has guided programs
and operations, a principal that still exists today. In the landscape,this drive for self-sufficiency resulted primarily in farms, gardensand constructed landscape features such as fences and walls. In
many cases, offenders and prison staff collaborated in the designand construction phases of many of these landscape features.

Prison Farm at Louisiana State Penitentiary, ca. 1900

Andrew Lytle

Rose Gardens at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, NY, ca. 1930

Lewis Lawes

TYPICAL PRISON LAYOUT PLANS THROUGHOUT HISTORY
Diagrams inspired by Norman Johnson

Buildings

Radial, ca. 1820-1860

Fragment, ca. 1840-1920
LandscapeTelephone Pole, ca. 1860-1955

Enclosed Campus, ca. 1950-present

2GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Introduction
INNOVATIVE PRISON LANDSCAPES

Bench & wooden boardwalk at
West Kimberley Regional Prison, Australia

Peter Bennetts

Outdoor classroom at Iowa Correctional Institution For Women

Heather Ligler

Increasingly there are examples of prison landscapes from around theworld that expand upon contemporary standards. Unique features like
ponds, signage, trees, structures and seating are being incorporated into
existing prison landscapes. These features preserve the functionality
desired in contemporary prison landscape design, but add further value
to the prison campus, be it aesthetic, ecological or recreational; orprovide therapeutic benefit to its users.
Concern over site safety and facility operations, lack of landscapedesign and construction expertise, and inadequate funding for facility
improvements are just a few reasons innovative landscapes aren’t yet thenorm at all prison facilities. With clear guidelines and processes outlinedin these sections, the process of implementing innovative landscapes will
be made easier and thus more accessible to all.
PROJECTPARTNERSDATESFUNDINGWest Kimberley
Regional Prison

TAG Architects,
Iredale Pedersen
Hook Architects

2008 - 2012

State revenues($122 million USD)

Iowa Correctional
Institution for
Women

Iowa State
University Dept.
of Landscape Arch.

2011 - Present

Small grants &private donations

Rikers Island Jail

Horticultural
Society of NewYork
Washington Dept.
of Corrections &The Evergreen
State College

1997 - Present

Grants

2003 - Present

Grants, private
donations, staterevenues

Sustainability in
Prisons Project3

Gazebo & water feature at Rikers Island Jail, New York

Hilda Krus

INTRODUCTION
Production gardens & organic maintenance at Cedar Creek Corrections Center, Washington

Artful garden shed at Cedar Creek Corrections Center, Washington

Signage for sustainability features at Stafford Creek Corrections Center, Washington

Biodiverse, pollinator-friendly landscape planting at Stafford Creek Corrections Center, Washington

4GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Introduction
WHY MODIFY & CONSTRUCT PRISON LANDSCAPES?
The modification of any built
environment requires energy, financial
resources and time. Even the smallest,
most routine projects can demanda significant investment from theindividuals involved. Because of
the challenging realities inherent inmodifying a prison landscape comparedto other contexts (security factors, lackof available capital/expertise, etc.),
the very reasonable question of “whybother at all?” can and will arise.
There are many beneficial outcomesof modifying and constructing prison
landscapes. Technical training andincreased biodiversity are just two
examples of possible beneficial
outcomes. These benefits areoften complementary andnon-exclusive, meaning that asingle landscape project has thepotential to result in multiple
beneficial outcomes.

5INTRODUCTION
IMPROVE FACILITY
SAFETY & SENSE OF CALM

CREATE PROGRAMOPPORTUNITY

ENHANCE ECOLOGICALFUNCTIONALITYEDUCATE & DEVELOPMARKETABLE SKILLSThe concept of a landscapeinherently invokes naturalcomponents: vegetation, soil,stone, wood. Significant researchhas demonstrated that timespent in proximity to natural
settings elicits calmness andmitigates physical and mental
exhaustion from stress (Ulrich
et al., 1991). Stress and tension
are unfortunate realities ofthe prison experience, and canlead to compromised safety
conditions (Conover, 2001).
Landscape projects with naturalelements can then contribute tocalmer, safer conditions for all ina prison environment.

Amongst offenders, monotony& boredom are the mostfrequently identified negative
aspects of the prison experience(Rhodes, 2004). Additional low
cost programmatic opportunities
allow prisons to provide more
activities for offenders toengage in, reducing idleness andincreasing facility safety.

Prisons are significant consumersof resources like energy andwater, and provide little habitat
value for critical wildlife species.
A movement to “green” prisons
is growing across corrections
nationwide as a means to benefit
both those incarcerated as wellas the environment (Thigpen
et al., 2011). Landscapes canbe used as catalysts to achievethese goals, be it througha planting that encourages
endangered pollinator species,a channel that conveys andinfiltrates stormwater, or througha structure that serves as a basefor solar panel infrastructure.

Vocational and other training
opportunities are proven in
reducing recidivism in offenders
upon their release (Bouffard
et al., 2000; Wilson et al.,2000). Furthermore, employers
in the construction industry
have demonstrated a uniquewillingness to hire ex offenders(Alexander, 2011). Designed
landscapes require aptitudein a variety of construction
techniques, from grading
terrain to building a structure.
Participation in crafting such
spaces can leave offenders better
prepared to enter the landscapeand construction workforces
upon release.

Designed landscapes can provide
space for specialized programs
that require outdoor space, suchas beekeeping or horticulture,or can provide unique, alternate
settings for existing programs,
such as outdoor classrooms andperformance spaces.

6PRE-DESIGN

Establishing sustainability goals for future projects at Washington Corrections Center for WomenPRE-DESIGN

Pre-Design
ESTABLISHING PROJECT GOALS
The beginning of any prison landscape modification process
should involve the primary parties interested in creating adesigned landscape getting together and establishing common
objectives. Goals can be both tangible (i.e. “the project musthave vegetable gardens and seating areas”) and experiential (i.e.
“project participants will learn to install drainage infrastructure”).
Simply put, the project goals are what you and your team want toaccomplish as an end result. When possible, project goals should
strive to be mutually beneficial.
These fundamental decisions are critical guideposts during
the design and construction processes, and ensure that theefforts being put forth meet their original intent. Establishingproject goals also helps when communicating with other projectstakeholders, including prison administration and external
community groups, allowing them to understand your vision more
quickly.
What follows is an example of initial project goals for a prison
landscape design project at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California.

MANY SEATING OPTIONS
Quiet, individual contemplation; one-on-one counseling sessions.

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL
ADA pathway materials; garden beds that can be reached from a wheelchair.

VEGETABLE GARDENS
Provide kitchens with produce; cultivate space for donating crops.

SENSORY AREAS
Appeal to touch and smell, attract pollinating insects; exhibit stark seasonal change.

8GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Pre-Design
LIKELY SPACES FOR LANDSCAPE PROJECTS
It is important to understand what types of spaces exist within a prison landscape, andwhat types of projects those landscapes can reasonably afford. The areas described inthis section are commonly understood across WDOC as being well suited for various
landscape projects. Exploring how these sites can be modified to meet your project goals
is a great place to start.
A variety of spaces exist within prison facilities across the state beyond those profiled
here. Should your ideal site for meeting your project goals not fit one of these space
types, talk with your Staff Sponsor (a WDOC staff person, often from custody, that acts
as a Project Manager throughout a project’s duration) about moving the project forward
and see if special approval or exceptions can be arranged.

RECREATION YARDS
Recreation yards are
the areas in prison
landscapes where the mostmodification can occur.
Because movement andactivity within the site iscontrolled, they make great
locations for a variety ofsite amenities, including
custom built exercisefeatures, benches, shelters,or simply some vegetation
to “soften” these often“hard” sites.

9

James Davis

Roni Taylor

PRE-DESIGNCORRIDORSCorridors have been
specifically identified as
areas in need of landscapeattention by WDOC. As
these are areas in whichmovement is controlled,only certain projects areappropriate: those that do
not require stopping andinteraction. Decorativeplantings and sustainability
features that address water
quality are good project
options along corridors.

LARGE OPEN SPACES
Large open spaces areabundant in prison
landscapes and are mostfrequently adapted forlarge scale landscapeprojects. Productive
gardens, environmental
restoration, andprogramming areas likeoutdoor classrooms are
all well suited for thesespaces. Large open spaces
are also momvement
controlled, but allow for
more design and activity
flexibility than a cooridor.

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GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Pre-Design
CUSTODY LEVELS & PROJECT APPROPRIATENESS
The custody level of a prison facility is the primary factor in determining the feasibility of a particular landscape project. WDOC recognizes
4 unique custody levels: Minimum, Medium, Close and Maximum. Currently, this guidebook only addresses landscape project possibilities
in the first three custody levels. Generally, as custody levels increase, so do restrictions on landscape project possibilities. This is primarily
to preserve the functionality of the original prison landscape design: preserve sight lines, expedite movement, etc.; which all contributestrongly to the safety of the facility.
The matrix on the following page correlates a number of actual prison landscape projects (either currently in operation at a WDOC facility orin another innovative prison landscape) with its respective custody level. Intended to provide broad level inspiration and a means to quickly
gauge the feasibility of a project idea, this matrix is not absolute. The Design Guidelines in the subsequent section will help you fine tune
your project idea to its respective context.
FACILITY

Airway Heights

Clallam Bay Mission Creek

Cedar Creek
Olympic

Clallam Bay

MonroeAirway Heights

Coyote Ridge
Larch

WCC

SEATTLETACOMA

WCCW

Cedar Creek

Stafford Creek

11

Larch

SPOKANE

Coyote Ridge

Mission Creek
MonroeOlympic

YAKIMA

Wash. State Pen.

Stafford Creek
WCC
WCCW
Wash. State Pen.

VANCOUVER

MIN.

MED.

CLOSE

PRE-DESIGNAPPROPRIATE FORMINIMUM CUSTODY CONTEXTS• Boardwalks• Bridges• Compost Area
• Concrete Paths• Courtyard Garden• Game Tables• Gazebos• Greenhouses• Group Seating Area
• In Ground Plantings• Outdoor Classroom• Paths (Non-Concrete)• Patios• Performance Area
• Picnic Tables• Quiet / Reflective Area
• Rain Gardens• Raised Plantings• Remembrance Area
• Sculpture• Seat Walls• Sensory Gardens• Sheds• Signage• Stage• Trees• Trellises• Vegetable Gardens• Visitation Area
• Water Features• Wood Fences

MEDIUM CUSTODY• Bridges• Compost Area
• Concrete Paths• Courtyard Garden• Game Tables• Gazebos• Greenhouses• Group Seating Area
• In Ground Plantings

CLOSE CUSTODY• Compost A rea• Concrete Paths• Courtyard Garden• Gaz ebos
• Greenhouses• In Ground Plantings• Paths (Non-Concrete)• Picnic Tables• Picnic Tables• Rain Gardens• Raised Plantings• Remembrance Area
• Sensory Gardens• Sheds• Signage• Sheds• Trees• Trellises• Vegetable Gardens• Visitation Area

• Trellises• Vegetable Gardens• Visitation Area

• Wood Fences• Wood Fences

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GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Pre-Design
SITE ANALYSIS
Site analysis is meant to help you evaluate therelative importance and influence of different
factors on a site, and to reveal qualities about
the space that might not be immediately
visible. The information this process reveals
can be used to compare different site options,and to provide design inspiration. For example,
during your analysis you may find an especiallywarm area of the site that would be well
suited for a vegetable patch, or you may findan area where people often socialize but thatlacks comfort amenities, like seating.
Record and organize your findings as you
move through the process. Then, take theinformation that you gather and assign it
different levels of importance. From there,
communicate your most important findings
to other project stakeholders and, as a group,
consider how these important factors canwork to support your project idea, or how theymight need special attention during the design
or construction phases.
The categories outlined here are merely
a starting point. You may find the need toanalyze additional criteria. Conversely, you
may find that some factors you’ve analyzed
have no influence on your project idea.
13

SOILS

DRAINAGE

Soils are the foundation of most any
landscape project. With permission,
begin by digging in and sampling thesoil at your site. Is it light and loose
or dense and compacted? Are there
large rocks or is it all fine particles?
Is the soil exactly the same 10 feet to
the right or left of your sample area,or does it seem different? Are there
many worms and bugs? Different
soil types have different benefits.
Plants like loose dark soils with lotsof insects, while structures like tosit atop stable surfaces. Use yourfindings to inform your project idea.

The way that water moves across andinto a landscape is broadly refered toas drainage. Begin by noticing aftera rain which areas do and do notstay saturated. Observe the direction
water moves on the surface. Record
any drain grates and pipes that arepresent. You most likely want water
to move away from your project andfor the surrounding area to remain
dry. This analysis will reveal if thesite’s drainage is suitable or if some
topography manipulation (berm or
depression) or infrastructure (cistern,catch basin) will be required toconvey and drain water adequately.

PRE-DESIGNMICRO & REGIONAL CLIMATESVEGETATION

USERS

Although you might be familiar witha region’s climate, you are probably
unfamiliar with your site’s microclimates.
These are areas where climate differs fromits greater context; the relative warmth ofurbanized areas and coolness of spaces
near water bodies are two examples. Note
how wind moves through the site andareas where you feel particularly warmor cool. Record sunny and shady areaboundaries at regular intervals in a day.
These data will have significant influenceon where you place landscape elements.
For example, vegetable gardens will
want at least 6 hours of sun in a day andgenerally warm conditions, while compost
areas do well in the shade.

Analyzing the existing vegetation
on your site adds value to your soil,
drainage and climactic findings, andbegins to describe the site in moreexperiential rather than functionalterms. Note vegetation types (lawn,
flowers, shrubs, etc.) and their
physical boundaries. Identify the
species by consulting the libraryor facility’s horticulture program.
Record if the plants seem healthy ornot. Specify if the plants receive any
maintenance, and if so, what is done
and how often. Research the likely
age of the plants as well as their andexpected lifespans so you can designfor their eventual replacement.

Record who is using the site andwhat they’re doing. Like tracking
sun and shade patterns, periodic
observations are the best means
to get this information. Are there
areas that are specific to custody
officers or offenders only? Where
are the spaces that those groups
share? What kind of use does thisspace currently permit, and whatmight it allow? A landscape for quiet
contemplation is probably not well
suited for an already highly trafficked
area, but signage or picnic benches
might be.
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GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPESMOVEMENTBUILDINGS & INFRASTRUCTUREHISTORY

Observe how people move throughyour site. Are there any short cuts
taken along “desire lines?” Where
does movement stop and thenstart up again? Are some routes
used more frequently than others?
How will people get from common
movement corridors to your project?
Think of your “movement” analysis
as a subset of “users” that adds
more information to those findings.
Analyzing movement addresses
how elements in the landscape areconnected, and where opportunities
to make better connections may
exist.

Take note of the “built” components
in your site. Record buildings andother constructs like fences, lights,
water fixtures and electrical outlets.
Depending on your project idea,
some of these elements will likely
be advantageous and provide
opportunity for irrigation, growing
surfaces and other fuctionality.
Observing and recording them now
will help legitimize your final projectsiting decision. If possible, work withmaintenance staff to learn of any
below ground infrastructure thatshouldn’t be disturbed by a potential
landscape project.

Prisons are often places withsignificant cultural histories.
Spending some time exploring this
topic can offer a trove of inspiration.
Perhaps the prison site was a logged
conifer forest, and you want to plant
evergreens to acknowledge that
past. Maybe you want to locate agarden shed where a barn used tosit. Perhaps you want a decorative
element in the landscape to recall
the art of indigenous peoples that
inhabit and inhabited the region.
Exploring history grounds you andyour project to place, making the(new) site more rewarding for users.

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PRE-DESIGN

Pre-Design
SUSTAINABILITY

The Washington Department of Corrections operates under a self-imposed Sustainability StrategicPlan, which aims to reduce the environmental, economic and human costs of prisons. The design,
construction & maintenance of landscapes is not always inherently sustainable. However, with somespecific thought during the pre-design phase, creating a landscape that endures and gains value overtime is very doable. Incorporating sustainability techniques and principals into a landscape project
can not only help a prison reduce its impact on the environment and save money, but it provides
opportunities to learn about new topics and receive green job training. The following is a quick primer
on sustainability in the landscape. Connect with Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) personnel for
additional technical expertise on any of these topics.

MATERIALSWATER

VEGETATION

Using durable and/or recycled andre-purposed materials ensures the
project has a prolonged life cycle,
which minimizes waste and reduces
its embodied carbon footprint.
Durable and recycled materials will
also save money over time.

Shape your landscape to reduce its
water use through drought tolerant
plantings, hose timers and thicklayers of mulch. Or, capture water ina cistern or rain barrel and reuse it
on site.

Native plants need little nutritional
input, naturally resist pests anddiseases, and require minimal water.
Food plants can meet the daily needsof the prison population and thegeneral public, if grown for donation.
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GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Pre-Design(POTENTIAL) PARTNERS & RESOURCES
Prisons are remarkably self-sufficient institutions and have many specialized resources available to help actualize landscape projects. By
now you have likely identified some of your project’s specific needs or technical challenges that you may face in getting it implemented.
Approaching these partners for assistance and collaboration in the pre-design phase is advised to maximize the overall efficiency of
implementing the project.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSGreen Building | Art | Ecology
WDOC SUSTAINABILITY OPERATIONS
Recycling | Composting | Water Catchment
CORRECTIONAL INDUSTRIES (CI)CAD Services (Drafting & Design)
CNC Machining (Fabrication & Craft)
SHOPS
Wood | Metal
Chair | Paint
CAPITAL PROGRAMS
Construction | Space Planning
MAINTENANCE
Carpentry | Grounds | Welding
HORTICULTURE & NATURE
Nurseries | Food Gardens | Restoration17

PRE-DESIGN
WDOC & partner resources may be unable to provide support for a particular aspect of your project, and you may need to reach out forexternal support. A sampling of organizations providing technical assistance to communities are described below. Discuss with WDOC program
staff how you can leverage the expertise of these groups, or others with similar missions, to support your project.
Architects Without Borders (AWB) is a national organization with particularly active chapters in Washington.
Their mission is to collaborate with underserved communities to design and implement ecologicallysensitive, culturally appropriate, and life-changing projects. AWB provides free and low-cost design services,such as conceptual design and construction drawing, for non-professionals.

An international, charitable organization devoted to constructing “simple, decent, and affordable” housing
through volunteer labor, local Habitat For Humanity chapters in Washington have been involved in a numberof “special” projects with scopes beyond housing. Reaching out to those programs in particular could yieldassistance with site selection, construction and project management.
With 39 locations throughout the state, WSU Extension serves as the “front door” to the university’s Collegeof Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences by building capacity of individuals and communities
to find solutions for local issues. WSU Extension has expertise in food growing, low-impact development,
composting and many other technical topics.
For project ideas with a strong environmental sustainability component, the Washington Department of
Ecology provides a variety of technical assistance documents intended for the general public. WDOE’s Rain
Garden Handbook, Stormwater Management Manuals and Low Impact Development Technical Guidance
Manuals are just three examples. Search “Technical Resources” at www.ecy.wa.gov for access.
A professional society exists for nearly every specialized profession, manywith local chapters and service based components of their programing.
ASLA and ASCE are just two that might be of use for survey or draftingneeds, but seeking similar groups from additional disciplines can help
accomplish almost any specialized task.
18

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES | PRE-DESIGN

depending on your project, all steps may not benecessary, and additional steps may be required.

DESIGNER

Offender and/or
any WDOC Staff Member

PRE-DESIGNDESIGN

Establish Project Goals

Secure Staff Sponsor (KITE**)

Scout Site(s)Conceptual Design & Program

Site Analysis

Initial Maintenance Study

Solicit Partners

PROJECT
MANAGER (PM)Custody Staff and/or
Staff Sponsor

CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER (CM)
Maintenance Staff

OWNER
REPRESENTATIVE

Support Pre-Design*

Submit Needed Work Requests

Partner Coordination

Partner Coordination
Obtain CUS Approval* an underlined task indicates arequirement before proceeding to
the next project phase.

Request Additional Drawings** KITE is jargon within WDOC for a standardized

internal memo or form that offenders can use to
make suggestions (programmatic and otherwise)
to custody staff and custody unit supervisors.

Representative(s) from a
supporting agency
19

Concept Design Review
Solicit HQ Assistance

Custody Unit Supervisor(CUS), and/or
Capital Programs (HQ)

EXTERNAL
PARTNER

Technical Design Support

Solicit Volunteer Opportunities
Complete Volunteer Protocols
Support Pre-Design

Technical Design SupportAPPROVAL PROCESS & PROJECT SEQUENCINGDEVELOPMENTCONSTRUCTION

POST-CONSTRUCTION

Schematic Design

Construction Crew Participation

Plan Celebration Event

Construction Documents

Support PM & CM

Maintain Project

Support Design Development

Recruit Construction Crew

Support Celebration Event

Partner Coordination

Conduct Safety Training(s)Monitor Project

Safety Supervision

Evaluate Project EffectivenessSupport CM
Design Development Review

Develop Construction Plan

Develop Maintenance Plan

Determine Material &Equipment Needs

Purchase Materials

Maintain Project

Construction (Supervision & Completion)

Evaluate Project EffectivenessConduct Technical Training (In Field)

Design Development Approval
Determine Funding Source

Technical Design Support
Consider Additional Capital or
In-Kind Contributions

Authorize Material &Equipment Purchases

Develop Monitoring Plan
Evaluate Project EffectivenessSupport PM & CM

Material, Equipment &Construction Support

Maintain & Expand
WDOC Partnership
20

DESIGN GUIDELINES
10,000 SQ FTMAX FOOTPRINT
20’ FENCE
BUFFER

Illustration of landscape features at HM Prison Whatton, Nottinghamshire, UK. Drawing: Katherine Cannella

VEGETATION
36” TALL
STRUCTURE
MAX FOOTPRINT
20’ x 20’

DESIGN GUIDELINESWHAT ARE DESIGN GUIDELINES?

HOW TO USE THESE GUIDELINES

Design guidelines are modification standards that have been
approved by an administrative body. In the case of guidelines
for prison landscape projects, they exist to ensure that any
modifications are safe, appealing, functional and feasible. Design
guidelines are common in most every public design and construction
effort. In our case, guidelines for prison landscape projects havebeen developed and approved by WDOC custody, maintenance,
program and administrative staff, using information from successful
innovative prison landscapes in WDOC facilities as well as from otherprisons around the country.

These guidelines are most easily used in the early stages of thedesign process, which is covered in detail in the next section. It
is helpful to get to know the guidelines now so that your design
process can happen more efficiently by operating within theapproved standards. Think of these guidelines as resources oropportunities rather than restrictions. Not only do guidelines
ensure that ideas are possible and can be actualized (as opposed toremaining only ideas), but guidelines can often inspire creativity andinnovation in ways that can surprise a project team.

Certified Wildlife Habitat Garden at Washington Correctional Institution For Women

Benj Drummond & Sarah Joy Steele

22

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES
100’

FOOTPRINTSThe overall footprint of a project helps dictate
its scale within the greater prison landscape.
Footprints are calculated in square feet (sqft). Determine the footprint of your project bymeasuring key dimensions and calculating thearea. Area calculations depend on the shape ofyour proposed intervention. The formulas formany common shapes are described below.

LARGE OPENSPACEMINIMUM

12,000 SQ FT MAXIMUM

115’100’ x 115’ = 11,500 sq ft

BUILDING
CORRIDORMEETS DESIGN GUIDELINES

As long as your project footprint does not exceed
the maximums described in the diagram on theright, your project meets the criteria for thisguideline.

92.5’
LARGE OPENSPACEMEDIUM

10,000 SQ FT MAXIMUM
h

b
h

r

A

23

h

base x height

107’

a

1/2 x (a + b) x height

3.14 x a x b

PROJECT
FOOTPRINT

92.5’ x 107’ = 9897.5 sq ft
CORRIDORMEETS DESIGN GUIDELINESLARGE OPEN
SPACE

CLOSE

6,500 SQ FT MAXIMUM

84’

PROJECT
FOOTPRINT

73’ x 84’ = 6,132 sq ft
r

1/2 x radius x Angle
2

BUILDING

73’

3.14 x radius

a
h

b

b

1/2 x base x height

b

b

h
b

PROJECT
FOOTPRINTMEETS DESIGN GUIDELINESCORRIDORBUILDINGDESIGN GUIDELINESBUFFERS

5’

Buffers are utilized in prison landscape projects toensure clear definitions of space, to concentrateactivity, and to increase safety by preserving
sight lines. Buffer spaces must be kept free ofmodification with the exception of modest accessmeans (e.g. a path).
In the case of perimeter fences (“double fences”),
a minimum 20’ buffer must be maintained. Forinterior fencing that divides and defines different
spaces, it may be possible to modify right up
to the fence edge. Begin by using a Minimum
custody level buffer standard, and discuss withyour Staff Sponsor the possibility of extending
to an interior fence edge if necessary. See theannotated photos below for additional context.

MINIMUM

LARGE OPENSPACE
PROJECT
FOOTPRINT

5’ MINIMUM

From Building & Path Edges

10’

MEDIUM

10’ MINIMUM

From Building & Path Edges

LARGE OPENSPACE

PROJECT
FOOTPRINT

Interior
Fence
Buffer
0-5’
min

20’
LARGE OPEN
SPACE
Perimeter Fence Buffer
20’ min

CLOSE

20’ MINIMUM

PROJECT
FOOTPRINT

From Building & Path Edges

24

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPESVERTICAL ELEMENTS
Sight lines can be compromised with each insertion into the prison landscape. These guidelines
illustrate best practices for scaling your project into space above the ground while maintaining
safety and functionality. Guidelines for vertical elements are standard across custody levels.

APPLICABLE TOMINIMUM,
MEDIUM& CLOSECUSTODY LEVELSCLOSED SIDED STRUCTURES
10’ MAXIMUM HEIGHTOPEN AIR STRUCTURES
12’ MAXIMUM HEIGHTVEGETATION
36” MAXIMUM HEIGHT

If your project has walls or othervertical elements made fromany opaque material (wood,
metal, etc.), you must meet thisguideline. Such structures could
include sheds, greenhouses, andprogrammatic spaces such as bee
box housing.

With translucent materials (glass, clear plastic), or nosiding, you can extend a bit more into vertical spacethan you would with opaque materials. Gazebos, picnic
coverings and trellises are some of the common forms
that might meet this criteria and appear in a prison
landscape project.

Plant forms at this size or
smaller are perfectly suitablein any custody context. Notethat if planting in a raised bed,
the structure’s height counts
towards the 36” maximum. ADA
guidelines recommend 18-24”
high raised planting beds.

GROUND PLANE
12” MAXIMUM VARIATION
You may consider forming mounds ordepressions to create microclimatesfor plantings, to direct the movementof water, or simply for visual intrigue.

25

DESIGN GUIDELINESSTRUCTURAL FOOTPRINTS
Now that you know the maximum vertical heights of any
structural element you place in the landscape, it will be
helpful to know the maximum footprints that structures
can occupy.

CLOSED SIDED STRUCTURES
150 SQ FT MAXIMUM

10’

You’ll see that these footprints are much smaller than
the total footprints described earlier. This is to ensurethat structures do not dominate the landscape and that acharacter of openness in the greater prison landscape ispreserved.

APPLICABLE TOMINIMUM, MEDIUM & CLOSE
CUSTODY LEVELS

15’

OPEN SIDED STRUCTURES
400 SQ FT MAXIMUM

20’

20’

Note: This diagram depicts roof plans to illustrate square footage, but the roofs of yourstructures do not have to conform to the shapes or pitch orientations illustrated here.

26

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPESMATERIALS(GENERAL)
You’ve figured out how big your project
can be and determined where it’s going to
go. Now you can give some thought to thematerials that you want to use in it.
In selecting materials it is important to strive
for durability and weather resiliency. As
discussed in the Pre-Design section, recycled
or salvaged materials help enhance theoverall sustainability of your project.
As you select materials, give some thought
to the permanence of your project. We
know that prison landscapes do change overtime, so the more your project’s materials
can be disassembled and repurposed if
things need to change, the better.

MINIMUM
Wood
Concrete
Vegetation
Plastic
Stone
Masonry
Metal

MEDIUM
Wood
Concrete
Vegetation
Plastic
Stone
Masonry
Metal

CLOSE

27

Wood
Concrete
Vegetation
Plastic
Stone
Masonry
Metal

Metal
can often
be takenapart,
whichcanpresent
safetyconcerns.

Stone & masonry Metal
are both more
can often
diffucult surfaces be taken
to travel over,apart,and can present whichsafety challenges canbecause of their present
hardness, ability to safety
be chipped, etc. concerns.

DESIGN GUIDELINES

PATHS
Paths are some of the best opportunities to balance aesthetic
intrigue with functionality in a landscape. A well designed andconstructed path encourages exploration of a landscape, allows
people and other materials to move efficiently in and out of thespace, and can be a canvas for patterns and ornamentation thatprovide visual interest.
Standards for path widths and materials in prison landscapeprojects vary slightly depending on custody contexts. As you
design, consider how different materials and their arrangement
can provide different experiences (think the way walking on
gravel or brick feels compared to walking on concrete)
There is an infinite amount of artistic touches that can be applied
to path materials. Scoring interesting patterns into concreteor creating mosaics from different stone types are just two
examples. A sampling can be seen in the matrix below.
As you experiment with paths, remember that ornamentation orinteresting design does not have to compromise functionality andaccessibility.

MINIMUM5’5’ MINIMUM
Path Width
CONCRETESTONE |GRAVELMASONRY

MATERIALS

MEDIUM8’

8’ MINIMUM
Path Width

CONCRETESTONE |GRAVELMATERIALS

CLOSE

10’

10’ MINIMUM
Path Width

CONCRETE

MATERIALS
28

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPESVEGETATION
Vegetation is one of the mostcommon elements in any
landscape, and is perhaps themost frequently used material
in past prison landscapeprojects. Plants help “soften”
spaces and make areas moreinviting and pleasant.
Selecting plant materials can bea challenging process, and the
combination of possibilities isinfinite. Best practice guidelines
are illustrated on the right. For
additional assistance, consult
with your facility’s horticulture
program, grounds staff, andlibrary.

ACCEPTABLE
36”
MAX.

REQUIRES PERMISSION

PLANT & CONTAINER HEIGHTS
Cornus sericea
Red Osier Dogwood

Hamamelis sp.
Witch Hazel

PRESERVE TRANSPARENCY
twiggy growth, minimal leaves
Nandina domestica
Heavenly Bamboo

MULTI-SEASON INTEREST
Daphne odora
Winter Daphne

SUGARY BERRIES & FRUITS
pruno-making potential

Nandina domestica
Heavenly Bamboo

Festuca idahoensis
Idaho Fescue

THORNED OR BARBED FOLIAGE

APPLICABLE TOMINIMUM,
MEDIUM& CLOSECUSTODY LEVELSSENSORY VALUEPEPPERS

29

NATIVE & SUSTAINABLE

SMALL PLANTS IN LARGE CONTAINERS

smell, touch, hear, taste (vegetables & herbs)
Symphoricarpos albus
Ribes sanguineum
Snowberry
Red Flowering Currant

drought tolerant, habitat enhancing

safety compromising potential

contraband hiding potential

DESIGN GUIDELINES
385’

TREES
Trees are some of the most difficult materials to work with in theprison landscape because of their size, but when thoughtfully
considered, they can add incredible value to a space.
Design standards for trees in prison landscapes primarily relate
to their totals (or concentration) within a defined space, and are
based on analyses of existing WDOC landscapes and other uniqueprison landscapes. The diagrams on the right illustrate custodyspecific information for siting trees inside the security perimeter.
Standards for trees beyond the security perimeter are not set,
but are generally more flexible than the standards for within.
Equally important to tree concentration are their growth forms
and habits. Species should be selected for transparency andupright character rather than umbrella-like growth forms. Birch,arborvitae, aspen and Japanese maples are just a few options
that generally fit these criteria and are acceptable trees. As withsmaller plants, consult with your facility’s horticulture program,grounds staff or library for additional information and support.

115’

APPROX. 1 ACRE (43,560 SQ FT)MINIMUM

3 TREES MAXIMUM Per Acre

MEDIUM

2 TREES MAXIMUM Per Acre

CLOSE

1 TREE MAXIMUM Per Acre

In all cases trees and bushes will require special permission fromthe project’s Staff Sponsor. Be sure to secure this early in yourprocess.

ACCEPTABLE

AVOID

30

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPESFURNITURE & INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS
Structural items that have a specialized purpose, such as benches, game tables and exercise equipment, can add both aesthetic intrigue andfunction to a landscape project. Bright colors and bold forms spark curiosity and encourage users to engage with the space. The key design
guideline for these elements, aside from their not exceeding the structural footprint standards described earlier in this section, is theirproper placement within a specific prison landscape type.
Existing recreation areas are very fit to accommodate furnishings and interactive elements. Large open areas are a bit more questionable
for these items. In their current state(s), they are controlled movement areas. Provided the rest of the space is modified to accommodate
a new type of program or activity, such as a garden space or outdoor visitation area, these elements can be accommodated. Furniture andinteractive objects are not well suited for corridors or other specifically designated controlled movement areas.
RECREATION AREAS

31?

LARGE OPEN SPACESCORRIDORSDESIGN

Offenders at Santa Rita Jail (CA) present their design for the Cherryland/Ashland re-entry campus. Photo: Deanna Van Buren (designingjustice.com)

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

DesignPROCESSTaking an idea for a landscape project into construction is a process of replication and overlap. This section will give a broad sense of all thesteps that could possibly be needed to take a prison landscape project idea to implementation, along with documentation required andresources to help as you proceed. The diagram below holistically illustates the sequence of the steps in the prison landcape design process,and each step is explained in greater detail later in this section.
While the idealized design process is composed of distinct phases in a linear sequence, in the real world the design process doesn’t always
work out exactly as is illustrated below. It is not uncommon for phases to require revision, or be deemed unnecessary and skipped entirely.
Those determinations are to be made by the project’s Staff Sponsor, the Project Manager, the Construction Manager and/or the Owner’s
Representative, rather than by the designer. Throughout the process, those individuals will provide feedback on what design steps are stillneeded before the project can move into construction.
Similarly, sometimes the phases of the design process all take an equal amount of time, and sometimes some phases go much more quickly
than others. Allow yourself and the design the flexibility it needs to move forward.

CONCEPT &PROGRAM33

SURVEY, MARKING,MASSING & LAYOUTSCHEMATICCONSTRUCTIONDRAWINGDESIGN

DesignCONCEPT & PROGRAM
Concept design is an initial attempt at giving shape to yourproject goals while responding to prison landscape design
guidelines. These drawings illustrate how landscape elements
relate to one another in space and in function. Drawings at
this stage are composed primarily in “plan” view, like a map.
Concept and program drawings do not need to be realisticor spatially accurate. The more they meet those criteria, themore you may be able to bypass subsequent design steps,
but in many cases minimal markings, notes on the drawings,
and bold abstracted forms work best. These markings show
the core of your idea and help the project’s reviewers avoid
getting immediately lost in other details that could arise.

EXAMPLE OF A
CONCEPT PLAN

Designer:
Grant ReidAt bare minimum, submission of a concept drawing isrequired for a landscape project at a WDOC facility to move
forward. Use text to describe what your markings represent
and indicate distances and dimensions when possible.
Three dimensional models from everyday materials are also
effective items to work with during concept and program
design. In some cases they may be able to be substituted for aconcept plan drawing.

PRISON LANDSCAPE
CONCEPT MODEL

Designers:
Santa Rita Jail (CA) offenders

34

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

DesignSURVEY
During or after completion of your concept & program drawings, you will need to record the site’s dimensions in order to make precise design
decisions, and to represent them accurately. Broadly, this concept is understood as “surveying” a site. Survey can even be completed prior toconcept design, and often naturally compliments the process of Site Analysis as described in the Pre-Design section.
Site survey is most easily accomplished by “pacing” out on a site. An average pace is between 2.5’ - 2.75’, but begin by measuring your own
pace prior to arriving on the project site. Count your paces from one point to another, do some quick conversion math and you’ll soon havefairly accurate measurements. Record the distances and dimensions of all existing features in your site (paths, structures, utilities, plants,
fences, etc.) from a “point of beginning,” or consistent reference point. Having a calculator available helps expedite the process. If you canaccess a measuring device, use it to double check your pacing calculations, but know that most commonly available tape measures are often
too small to measure at the landscape scale. Be thorough & meticulous, taking good notes throughout the process. These efforts will makefuture design phases easier. In the present, this activity can help you make key design decisions that are still unaddressed at the concept stage.
ESTABLISHING A POINT OF BEGINNING

CALCULATING DISTANCE BY PACING

2.75’
11’

2.75’
2.75’
2.75’

35

DESIGN

DesignMARKING & MASSING
Massing & marking can be thought of as designing in place. The ultimate goal of this exercise is visualize the 2D and 3D realities of a proposedlandscape project in the actual site. In the 2D realm, use grass chalk or marking paint to trace outlines of elements proposed in your project.
Think of it as drawing a concept plan on the ground, but this time more true to scale and tied to place.
Massing is a similar activity but uses 3D elements to visualize the approximate volumes of proposed landscape elements. Any 3D object will
work fine for massing. Most commonly used are plants in pots and overturned cardboard boxes to approximate for seating, tables and otherstructures.
Massings and markings are not intended to be permanent, and may need to be repeated during the construction phase to identify the work
areas (this is particularly true of marking). Assume that clean up will be required shortly after completion of this activity, unless otherwise
specifically permitted by the Project Manager.
MASSING WITH VEGETATION & OTHER 3D ITEMSMARKING OFF A DESIGN IN A SITE

36

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

DesignSCHEMATICSGREENHOUSE GARDEN SCHEMATIC PLAN Designers:
RIKERS ISLAND JAIL
Rikers Island Jail offenders

Depending on the “completeness” of your concept plans & models, as well as
your massing and marking activity, your Project or Construction Managers may
require a phase of schematic design. Schematic design drawings contain more
information than concept drawings, and speak visually to the project’s materials,
colors, and precise arrangements and size in space.
Schematics are done “to scale” and strive to achieve photorealism. Working fromyour survey notes, use an established scale to produce a plan drawing that is
spatially accurate. 1’=16” works well with a standard ruler, as every 1/16 inch =1 foot. Notes can be made on the drawing to explain details too small to depict
graphically, as well as to describe the measurements of an element. You can also
use a “key,” similar to those found on maps, to describe similar fine details in a
way that minimizes the amount of text on the drawing.
Sections, or cut-through drawings, illustrate vertical relationships and depict thesite at the scale of the human body rather than from above. Using 1/8” = 1’ and1/4” = 1’ will help you zoom in to more easily draw those details.
Amazing artistry is not required for schematic design, but clear, lifelike graphics
do help better illustrate ideas. Look to books in the library as well as any
art-related educational programs at your facility to help your schematic efforts.
SECTION DRAWING OF OUTDOOR CLASSROOM AREAIOWA CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN

37

Designers:
Garret Munch & Nicholas KingDESIGNSCHEMATIC DESIGN FOR SOU COURTYARD GARDEN
MONROE CORRECTIONAL COMPLEX

Designer:
Amy Lindemuth

INFIRMARYDINING HALLH UNIT
A2

A1

E UNITF UNIT

Figure 73. Site plan for SOU Courtyards. See page 81 for section elevation AA.

38
COURTYARD SITE PLAN

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

DesignCONSTRUCTION DRAWING
Depending on the complexity of your project, your managers may require construction drawings (CDs). The “final” stage of design, construction
drawings communicate project details to those tasked with installing it. All forms and shapes should be completely spatially accurate, properly
located and drawn to scale. Items, material types, and quantities should be noted in detailed annotations. Construction drawings are done inboth plan and section. Oftentimes, construction drawing sections are zoomed in to illustrate only a single element. These drawings are also
called “details.”
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTWhile highly accurate, construction drawings are also very diagrammatic, as they communicate technical information. You may have the chance
to review past construction drawings for your site as part of your Site Analysis. This will likely require some interpretation, and you should workwith your Project and Construction Managers to help you understand what the drawing is telling you.
WDOC has terrific construction drawing resources available in house. Correctional Industries offers Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Services
to the public to produce construction drawings. Collaboration with them will be necessary if your managers determine the need for CDs.
Additionally, many of the groups addressed in the “(Potential) Partners & Resources” section are well equipped to assist non-professionals withconstruction drawing (see pages 17-18).
Designer:
Graham Golbuff
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTPRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTEXAMPLES OF CONSTRUCTION DETAILSPRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTPRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTPRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATPRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT39

DESIGN
Designer:
Graham Golbuff

SITE PLAN CONSTRUCTION DRAWING EXAMPLE
Betula papyrifera
Gaultheria shallon
Sedum sp.
Acer palmatum

NOTES:
1) REFER TO CIVIL DWGS FOR
HOIZONTAL AND VERTICALCONTROL2) NOTIFY ENGINEER OF LAYOUTDISCREPENCIES.
3) GEOTEXTILE FABRIC SHALL BE
PROVIDED UNDER PATHS,STRUCTURES AND LAWN.

6

REF.

0'

4'

8'

16'

R. MURILLO
G. GOLBUFF
FINAL PROJECT

2
A-521

1

SITE PLAN
1" = 10'-0"

1
A-521

Project Number
Date
Drawn By
Checked By

Scale

A-100

0800
8/19/2014
GG, RM
CR, JM

1" = 10'-0"5/20/2015 11:47:32 PM

SITE PLAN

40

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

DesignVISUALIZATION: SUSTAINABILITY
Another useful tool in the design process is the perspective drawing.
These are not “measured” drawings like plans and sections from which
one can determine dimensions of various elements in the design;rather, perspectives evoke the character and ambiance of a place byplacing the viewer in the scene.
Perspectives are excellent means to develop design ideas as well as
to present them. They can be utilized at any point during the design
process. Sketching ideas over photographic prints of existing conditions
is a great way to begin conceptual design.
The following pages depict a number of visualizations of prison
landscape interventions around a particular theme or concept. All
images adhere to the Design Guidelines addressed earlier in thesepages. They are intended to provide inspiration and give you a sense ofwhat is possible in prison landscapes.

WATER CAPTURE(RAIN BARRELS)RAISED BEDSFROMRECYCLED
MATERIALSFOOD
GARDENING

WATER QUALITY
IMPROVEMENTCHANNEL(BIOSWALE)
41

DESIGNSTONESEATINGVISUALIZATION: CUSTODY UNIT COURTYARD
The forms of many custody units allow for small pockets of space that can be converted tocreate a sense of privacy and personalization. Custody unit courtyards add value to those who
experience them directly (outside), as well as from within and can see the landscape through awindow. They build community and become a common cause for offenders in a particular unit
to rally behind and collaborate in together.

GEOMETRICALLYARRAYEDFLOWER
BEDS
STONE PATHGRAVEL PATHS

44

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

DesignVISUALIZATION: OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA

IN GROUND
PLANTINGS

This concept attempts to take activities that have traditionally occurred inside, such as playing
games or conversing, and creating space for them to occur outdoors. The scene depicted here
allows for significant crafting and fabrication opportunities, which provide job skills, and help
maximize opportunities for pro-social behavior among offenders.

RAISED
BEDS
GAME
TABLE
TREES

PICNICTABLESGAZEBO &SEATING

45

STONE PATH

CONSTRUCTION

Construction team members installing raised beds for a plant nursery at Washington Corrections Center.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction
PREVENTATIVE PRE-PLANNING

UNIVERSAL SAFETY “MUST HAVES”

Your idea has moved through the design phase and has been
given approval for construction by the Project Manager,
Construction Manager and Owner Representative.
Before any work starts, the Project Manager will need to recruit a
construction team, ensure access to proper safety equipment andprovide a preventative safety training to the crew.
Construction teams should be recruited through standard
program and work placement channels that occur during
offender intake processing (FMRT). A short list of universally
applicable safety equipment for any job is depicted on the right.
Because of their ubiquity, these items are perhaps the mostfrequently forgotten once the construction process begins, so
extra effort and attention to ensure access to them is criticallyimportant.

Ear Protection

Eye Protection

Hard Hats

Sunscreen

GlovesDrinking Water

INTRODUCTORY SAFETY TRAINING

The Project Manager should conduct general job safety training
any time a new individual begins on the project crew. Training
should cover standard work protocols such as how tools arehandled and how crew members can properly enter and exit thejob site. Broad level information from the US Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) and WDOC environmental
health and safety personnel should also be included in thesetrainings. Equipment or technique specific training should be ledby the Construction Manager on the job site on as needed bases
prior to operating the equipment or performing the technique.

48

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Construction
SUPERVISION & CREW MANAGEMENT
When working on landscape scale projects in prison environments, there may
be a need for supervision that exceeds standard protocols for other offenderjobs or programs. The following scenarios have been established using a
combination of best practices from past WDOC projects as well as other
innovative prison landscape projects from around the country.
If a construction crew is composed of up to three offenders, only one supervisor
needs to be present. This supervisor would usually come from the facility’s
maintenance department. It could be the project’s Construction Manager, or
simply another maintenance staffer. If the crew is between 4-10 offenders large,
at least two supervisors need to be present. In addition to the maintenancestaff member, a custody officer (CO) should be available to help provide
oversight. The CO could be the Project Manager, or any officer.
The flexibility concerning “who” these supervisors must be allows for staffing
flexibility and prevents the managers from being overworked.
As crew size increases, continue to increase supervision as per this framework(3 supervisors for 10-13 person crew, 4 supervisors for every 14-20 crew, etc.).
Crew supervision at Iowa Correctional Institution For Women
Photo: Alison Weidemann

49

1 SUPERVISOR(MAINTENANCE)For 3 person
construction crew

2 SUPERVISORS(MAINTENANCE& CUSTODY)
For up to 10 person
construction crew

CONSTRUCTION

Construction
TOOL & MATERIAL MANAGEMENT
If the landscape project adheres to the supervision program addressedon the previous page, tool access for construction crew members isfairly unrestrictive. Two tools that can not be used by crew members
however are box knives and hydrant keys. Supervisors should make allnecessary cuts and provide water access when appropriate.
Tools should be inventoried at the beginning and conclusion of eachwork day, after crew members arrive on the site and before they leave.
Project & construction managers should label all tool types with unique
numbers. Throughout the day, supervisors should hold periodic “rolecalls,” asking for the location of, say, hammer 4 of 6. This will help
cultivate a sense of sacredness around tools and improve overall facility
safety. Tools should be stored in a controlled, monitored area. Only thenecessary tools for the day’s work should be brought out to the job siteeach day. All other tools should remain in storage.

1

2

3

4

5

6

Staging soil within a secured area at Washington Corrections Center

Coordinating the delivery of materials and stockpiling it on the job site
is a complex endeavor for any construction project, but is especiallydifficult in prison settings. Construction Managers should lead thisprocess and be sure to provide vendors with as detailed information as
possible when arranging delivery of materials. Any materials stored onsite should be in a secured area with no movement or activity outsideof supervised landscape construction work.

50

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Construction
SEQUENCE & CONSIDERATIONS
The remainder of this section is meant to give a broad introduction
to the general sequence of construction tasks on any landscapeproject, as well as to address considerations that are unique toprison contexts for that particular phase of construction.
Construction of Outdoor Classrooms at the Iowa Correctional Institution For Women51

Bob Elbert

CONSTRUCTION

Construction
1) DEMOLITION

When possible, it is ideal to demolishby hand rather than by vehicularequipment, which helps reduceoverall environmental impact.
Tools used in this process include
picks, digging bars, shovels, saws
& hammers. Vehicular demolition
equipment includes bulldozers &excavators.

Designer: UW Landscape Design/Build Studio

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

Items that are commonly demolishedinclude structures, paths &vegetation. Trees should only be
demolished if absolutely necessary.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTPRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTMost any landscape project begins
with clearing a site of features thatare not to remain. This helps improve
the project’s overall efficiency byallowing for materials to move moreeasily through the site, but can also
be environmentally destructive if notconsidered wisely.

Example of a demolition plan in a construction drawing set.

Under supervision, offenders canparticipate in any manual demolition
activity. They can not operatevehicular equipment, and should be
assigned work in other project areas
while those operations are occurring.
52

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Construction
2) ROUGH GRADINGIn creating landform or topographic variation, a site undergoes rough grading. Earth is “cut” to create depressions and low points, and “filled”
to create mounds or high points. To maximize sustainability, rough grading aims to equalize the amount of earth that is cut and filled. This
reduces the quantity of material that needs to be imported or exported from the site and minimizes overall disturbance. Calculating theequalization of cut and fill happens during the creation of construction documents.
Rough grading is typically accomplished by vehicular equipment like bulldozers and scrapers. As WDOC landscape design guidelines only permit
a 12” topographic variation, rough grading for prison landscape projects can occur manually with shovels, digging bars and rakes.
Cutting & filling of earth on a job site during rough grading

53

Pacific Coast General EngineeringCONSTRUCTION

Construction3) EXCAVATION

Manual excavation to establish a reflecting pond

Jackson’s Landscape Design

After your project’s general
topography has been established,
any digging for trenches,foundations, footings, steps andother landscape features shouldbe accomplished at this time.
This step is broadly referred to as
excavation.
Due the to precision thatmost excavated areas require,
excavation is best completed
manually. In addition to picks,
shovels and digging bars,
rototillers, sod cutters and augers
may be helpful at this stage toloosen compacted areas.
After areas are excavated, theyshould be clearly marked withmarking paint, caution tape, flags
and other fluorescent materials.

Rototiller

Sod Cutter

Auger

Like the demolition stage,under supervision, offenders
can participate in any manual
excavation activity, even whenpotentially dangerous tools are
involved.
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GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Construction
4) DRAINAGE
Drainage features may become part of your landscape project, particularly when renovating a field, installing a water feature or a bioswale.
Drainage infrastructure construction typically involves both “built” components and natural features such as topography and soils. General site
drainage strategies include infiltration (absorption by soils & other natural media), detention (collection and subsequent release), and retention(capture & storage). Many projects employ multiple drainage approaches at once.
After drainage feature areas have been excavated, infrastructure like piping and catch basins are placed for detention and retention
approaches. For infiltration approaches, the excavated areas are amended with compost and other organic materials.
One type of drainage infrastructure that deserves special attention in a prison setting is an area drain. Found in both vegetated and paved
areas in landscapes, area drains feature exposed grates that allow water to percolate into a pipe or basin for retention or detention. In prison
landscapes, grates must be fastened to their below ground component rather than simply left in place and secured by their weight and gravity.

INFILTRATION

Bioswales, Rain Gardens,
Porous Paving

DETENTION

Catch Basins, Cisterns

RETENTION
Cisterns, Ponds,
55

SECURING AN
AREA DRAIN

CONSTRUCTION

Construction5) CONCRETE
The most widely used building material in the world, concrete is remarkably durable and versatile. In landscape contexts, concrete is primarily
used as a material for a foundation or footing for a structure, as media for a path or floor, or in a functional or sculptural context, such as abench or table. Under supervision, offenders can participate in all aspects of the concrete construction process.
Concrete is made by mixing cement, an aggregate (typically sand and/or crushed stone) and water. It is then poured into a wood, metal andplastic mold (“form”) and left to solidify (“cure”). Forms are then deconstructed, leaving behind only the concrete. In many cases, othermaterials such as rebar and metal brackets are set into the concrete after it’s been poured into a form to either improve the material’s tensile
strength or as a means to connect other materials later on. Concrete is typically installed in excavated areas that have had a layer of crushedstone applied (“subbase”) and then compacted before the form is set into the excavated area and before concrete is poured into the form.
Concrete has remarkable thermal mass, meaning that it retains heat well. At the same time, concrete also requires significant thermal energy
inputs to warm from ambient temperatures. Thus, concrete plays an important role in the creation of microclimates on a site. It is also an
important consideration in specifying it as a material for functional purposes. If used as a bench and placed in direct sun, will it get too hot forpeople to sit on? Finally, concrete can be made artful and intriguing by the formwork itself, or by applying unique finishes and scoring patterns
into the concrete while curing.

56

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Construction6) STONE & MASONRY
Stone & masonry units like bricks or pavers have avariety of applications in the landscape. Broadly, they
can be used to make seating, paths, planting beds, and(when large enough) individual sculptural elements.
Individual stone and masonry units (think “pieces”)
can be assembled by “dry” (without a binding agent),
or “wet” (with a binding agent, typically mortar)
techniques. Which technique you’ll use will ultimately
depend on your materials and desired feature or
structure.
Individual stones are commonly measured by “men”
units, that is, how many individuals it would generally
take to move and place the unit. For individual, dry laidstones in prison landscapes, the units must be no smaller
than 4-man. Stones of this size are best placed manually,using digging bars and wheelbarrows.
In assembling structures from smaller stone andmasonry units, such as for seating or planting beds,
epoxy has been found as an effective binding agent inprison landscapes. This reduces the need for mortar
and accompanying training, which ultimately allows formore individuals to be involved in the construction andimprove the project’s overall efficiency.

57

Epoxy & dispenser

Stone seating & planters

Bob Elbert

CONSTRUCTION

Construction7) FINISH GRADING

Finish grading a stair landing with a landscape rake

Shih-Chia Chiu

At this point, all digging has been
completed and the majority of heavy
items that can shape topography by
virtue of their mass, such as concrete andstone, have been placed. The next stepin the sequence is to establish finishedgrade for final site modifications.
Finished grades are the intended, precise
surface elevations across the entire
project site. Unlike rough grading, finish
grading is much more precise and is best
achieved through manual means. Checkelevations with a transit level and gradingrod, and sculpt terrain accordingly with alandscape rake.
Checking final elevations

Shih-Chia Chiu

Transit Level & Grading Rod

Landscape Rake

58

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Construction8) CARPENTRY

Artful trellis in garden at Halden Prison, Norway

Marte Aas

Wood is a versatile material in the landscape, and due
to its organic nature & human scale, it possesses aninherent warmth and inviting quality that few materials
can match. It is also comparatively easy to work andallows for fine craftsmanship. Primarily a structural
material, wood is typically used in structures andfurnishings in prison landscapes. Sheds, garden beds,
shelters, and specialty paths can all be constructed fromwood in prison environments.
Many wooden landscape elements can and should beconstructed off the job site in WDOC maintenance or
educational program shops. In selecting woods for prison
landscape projects, fir and cedar are recommended
due to their local availability and inherently long lives
through natural preservatives in their tissues.
Wooden bridge over pond at HM Prison Whatton, UK
prolandscapingmagzine.com

59

Carpentry shop in action at Crowley County Correctional Facility, CO

Cyrus McCrimmon

CONSTRUCTION

Construction9) METAL WORK
Though their fabrication can take place concurrently with any other phase of the construction sequence, metal elements are the final pieces
that are installed in a prison landscape. In prison landscapes, metal is primarily used as a structural component or to connect different
elements. Due to the inherently more technical nature of metal fabrication and construction compared to concrete, wood and stone, as well as
related safety concerns, metal is generally discouraged in prison landscapes.
There may be times, however, when the use of metal is imperative, such as for a structural connection or a lighting fixture. In those cases, thekey detail to working with this material in a prison landscape is to minimize the amount of connections that can be easily taken apart. This is to
say that connections should be welded or riveted rather than assembled by traditional fasteners (bolts, screws, nuts, etc.).

WELDED
CONNECTION

RIVETEDCONNECTIONBOLTED
CONNECTION

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GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Construction
10) PLANTING
Construction is nearly complete, and the project is beginning to look like a functional, enjoyable space. The last step to be completed in theconstruction sequence is planting. If possible, and if they haven’t played a role in the project thus far, involve the grounds and/or horticulture
programs at your facility to assist with or lead this activity. Hopefully they have some plant stock that they can contribute to the project.
General planting guidelines are as follows: Dig a hole that exceeds the plant’s root ball diameter and loosen the soil on the sides and base ofhole while maintaining its shape. Sprinkle some compost and worm tea or other organic fertilizer into the hole. Remove the plant from its
container and rough up the root ball. Set the plant in the hole so that the plant’s crown (where it emerges from the soil of the root ball) is levelwith the adjacent ground. Adjust the depth of the hole by filling in or digging out extra soil as needed. When the appropriate depth is set, place
the plant and pack it down with light force to stabilize. Repeat the compost and worm tea application at the surface around the plant’s crown,then lightly scratch it in as you did the root ball. Water the new planting “in” as soon as possible.
Under supervision, offenders can participate in all aspects of the planting phase.
Greenhouse planting at Cedar Creek Corrections Center

61

Watering in a new raised bed planting of Viola adunca at Washington Corrections Center

POST-CONSTRUCTION

Enjoying strawberry plants in a brick planter at Washington Corrections Center for WomenGROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Post-Construction
CELEBRATION
When your landscape project is complete, the first order of business is to celebrate and recognize your accomplishments! This is a great way
to show gratitude to individuals, departments and programs at the facility that helped make the project possible. Having a celebratory or
recognition event also helps build buzz for creating more enjoyable landscapes around a facility, resulting in an more positive environment for
all.

63

POST-CONSTRUCTION

Post-Construction
MONITORING & EVALUATION

Monitoring insect damage on leaves

Benj Drummond & Sarah Joy Steele

As lots of energy and effort went into the creation of yourlandscape project, it may be appropriate to assess thebenefits that your project yielded over time.
It is first important to define what you wish to monitor. For
this, revisit your initial project goals. If creating wildlife habitat
was an objective, doing periodic insect and animal counts
would be an appropriate way to assess the effectiveness of
meeting that objective. If you wanted to create a space forsocialization and gathering, tracking how often it was being
used by offenders would be an effective way at getting that
information. In short, your methods will be defined by what
you want to monitor.
The “who” component of the monitoring question can vary.
Offenders may be able to participate if interested, though theymight not be able to have continual access to the landscapethat staff would have, which could compromise the qualityof data collected. Project Managers should work with othercustody officers on duty during movement or other outdoor
times to see if they can help the project collect information.

WDOC Project Managers evaluate landscape projects

When sufficient monitoring data has been collected, theProject Manager should work with the Construction Manager
and Owner Representative to analyze the data and evaluate
the overall value of the project. Evaluations can be repeatedperiodically, and if a particular project returns regularly poor
results, that information can be used as grounds to adapt thesite for different use in the future.
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GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES

Post-Construction
MAINTENANCE

Routine garden maintenance at Washington Corrections Center for WomenTo ensure your project persists over time, amaintenance regiment should be established.
Depending on what elements your project contains,
maintenance could include painting, staining, washing,lubricating, sanding/grinding, compacting, pumpcleaning, mulching, pruning, fertilizing and weeding.
The earlier in the process that the project considers thelikely maintenance required, the better. This thinking
ultimately helps inform design and construction
decisions. Work first with your Construction Manager
to establish a maintenance program & rate ofrecurrence.
The Project Manager should then reach out to specificmaintenance teams (grounds, plumbing, hardscape,etc.) to ask if they’ll take on maintaining the project aspart of their regular work. If not, the Project Manager
can consider lobbying for the establishment of a newcrew that specifically cares for the newly createdlandscape project.
Regardless of who maintains the project in the longrun, once the maintenance program is established,
it should be documented. Offenders can help draft amaintenance manual for the project that details the
program established by the CM, and work with the
Project Manager to ensure the manual is archived andshared appropriately. Finally, offenders can apply towork on crews that maintain the created landscapes.
These jobs are rewarding and benefit individual
offenders as well as the greater prison community.

65

PRE-DESIGNDESIGNCONSTRUCTPOST-DESIGNER

InitialMaint.
Study

Concept,
Program,
Schematic

Participate
On Crew

Maintain
Project

CONSTRUCTION
MANAGER

InitialMaint.
Study

Technical
DesignSupportLead &
Oversee
Crew

Solidify
Maint.
Regiment

GROWING WASHINGTON’S PRISON LANDSCAPES(invaluable) RESOURCES

Landscape Construction
by David Sauter

The Sunset
Western Garden Book

Landscape Graphics
by Grant Reid

detailing,
construction techniques,material properties

plant selection,
design inspiration,
maintenance requirements

concept drawing,
schematic drawing,graphic conventions

WORK CITED
Alexander, Michelle. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.
New York City, The New Press. 2011.
Bouffard Jeffrey; Doris MacKenzie and Laura J. Hickman.
“Effectiveness of Vocational Education and Employment Programs for Adult Offenders: A Methodology-Based Analysis of the Literature.”
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation. 31: 1-2: (2000). 1-41.
Conover, Ted. New Jack: Guarding Sing Sing.
New York City, Vintage Books. 2001.
Rhodes, Lorna. Total Confinement: Madness and Reason in the Maximum Security Prison.
Berkeley, University of California Press. 2004.
Thigpen, Morris; Thomas Beauclair and Shelly Carroll.
The Greening of Corrections: Creating a Sustainable System.
Washington, DC, US Department of Justice. 2011.
Ulrich, Roger; Robert Simmons, Barbara Losito, Evelyn Fiorito, Mark Miles and Michael Zelson.
“Stress Recovery during Exposure to Natural and Urban Environments.”
Journal of Environmental Psychology. 11: (1991). 201-230.
Wilson, David; Catherine Gallagher and Doris MacKenzie.
“A Meta-Analysis of Corrections-Based Education, Vocation, and Work Programs for Adult Offenders.”
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency. 37: 4: (2000). 347-368.

Sustainability in Prisons Project
Lab 2 2257
The Evergreen State College
2700 Evergreen Parkway NW
Olympia, WA 98505(360) 867-6863
www.sustainabilityinprisons.org