GARDEN BEHIND THE FENCE

INMATE BUILT STRUCTURES WILL TRANSFORM THE CONTEMPORARY PRISON AND
JAIL LANDSCAPE BY FOSTERING THE REHABILITATIVE EXPERIENCE OF GARDENING.

MICHAEL PHILLIPSSERVING THE INCARCERATED WITH
HORTICULTURAL THERAPYThe United States has more incarcerated individuals than any nation in theworld and subsequently a high recidivism rate. It is now understood that
increased punative measures do not decrease recidivism. With many jails
and prisons having an abundance of underutilized outdoor landscape, oftennothing more than gravel and cut grass, there is an opportunity to introduce
positive programmatic functions in the open air.
Garden Behind The Fence is an investigation into how product and spatial
design can support rehabilitative programming in correctional facilities byoffering a healthy and valuable experience, both in the moment and for thefuture. This project identifies horticultural therapy programs as offering hands
on, and mentally stimulating activities for inmates of any age, gender, andsecurity level. Gardening asks for physical participation and problem solving
that translates to virtually any skill or endeavor by cultivating an individual’s
sense of self and their connection with larger systems.

OPPORTUNITY

After volunteering at Rikers Island Jail complex and working alongside inmatesin the horticulture program I propose a unique outdoor landscape model
delivered through a single product that enhances existing and emerging
horticulture programs in U.S. prisons and jails.
Each landscaping project is entirely custom and asks for a substantial
investment of resources from the facilities and personnel. This is why Garden
Behind The Fence is an industrially manufactured and deployable planting
unit to occupy high security landscapes. Raised plantings offer the mobility,and modularity appropriate for these unique environments while embracing
security measures, and seasonal conditions. This intervention integrates araised planter bed with seating to create programmable social hubs, drawing
attention to the plants growing within, and requiring stewardship from theinmate population.

CASE STUDY: RIKERS ISLAND JAIL COMPLEX, NEW YORK CITY
The Horticulture Society of New York offers classes seven daysa week in several facilities on Rikers Island. Nutrition is a largepart of the curriculum, where inmate-students order seeds
from catalogs, plant what they wish, and eat what grows! The
duration of an inmate’s stay on the island fluctuates, as does
the growing season. The program is designed to engage thestudents in horticultural practices no matter how long or shortthey participate. Two thriving greenhouses and indoor growlamps ensure there is cultivation throughout the year.

NORTH GARDEN
GMDC
SOUTH GARDEN
GMDC“GREENHOUSE”
EAST GARDEN
RMSC

SOUTH
COURTYARDS
RNDC

NW

ES

RIKERS ISLAND“Greenhouse” GardenRMSC Facility

BRONX
QUEENS

There are four gardens on Rikers Island, each located at
different facilities. The largest and most established garden
is located Rose M. Singer Correctional Facility near the North
East shoreline.

14RIKERS ISLAND GREENHOUSE GARDEN
Site modelThis model depicts the beautiful qualities of this 3 acre garden where sentenced men andwomen learn botany and care for the rose garden, butterfly gardens, vegetable beds, trees,guinee hens, make natural balms, tea sachets, and salads from fresh produce. Gardens require
year round attention and in the colder months there are indoor seed preparation tasks anddaily lessons. Harvesting is a major benefit to participants because it is a reward for thededication that plants require. Other gardens on the island are smaller but have great potential.
Each landscape space is opportunity for a design intervention and potential pilot programs.

ROSE GARDEN

GREENHOUSE& CLASSROOMBUTTERFLYGARDENGAZEBOVEGETABLE BEDS

MAPLE TREESGARDEN BEHIND THE FENCE

Supporting curricula in horticultural therapy
programs, Garden Behind The Fencerethinks the typical detention environment
by integrating raised planter beds withseating to create programmable social hubs.
Engaging inmate-students to construct theplanters develops a sense of ownership whiletransforming the landscape and honing skills
to be applied upon release. Garden Behind
The Fence assures that interaction with plants,
soil, and wildlife is ongoing, and the stewardsof the garden can always plan for the next
season.

36”

22.5”
16”
16”

The planter is designed in accordance withstandard safety measures comparable toother prison products. Height of planter bed
does not block sight lines. Planter bed depth
complies with root requirements of mostdecorative and edible plants. Materials are
durable, weather resistant, and aestheticallyappealing. Assembled by inmates and requires
no tools. Seating is offered to stimulate
engagement with the natural environment andsuggest gathering spaces

18”

CEDAR

EXTRUDED BAMBOOCOMPOSITEGALVANIZED STEELBRACKETSKIT OF PARTS

PRE-CUT MESH LINEROPTIONAL TRELLIS SUPPORTS
PLASTIC SHEETING TO PROTECTFROM FROSTTRELLIS SUPPORTS A VARIETY OF
CLIMBERS AND FRUIT BEARINGASSEMBLY / SECTION DETAILTwo people can construct a unit in an
estimated 10-15 minutes with assembly
instructions. All parts slot together and require
only staples for the liner.

Optional seat - 1/8” Steelbrackets are pre-riveted
onto support legs, thenslot into seat channels.

Dovetail joinery applied
to cedar boards andcomposite corner pieces,requiring no tools.

PERENNIALSWESTERN COLUMBINEBLACK-EYED SUSAN
LAVENDERSWEET WOODRUFFTICKSEEDMEDICINAL TEA HERBSDROUGHT RESISTANT
PLANTSCAMOMILE
ANISE HYSSOP
FEVERFEW
PEPPERMINTTHYMEBLUE OATECHINECEA
LIATUSRUDBEKIAYARROWCOMPANION PLANTINGSPINACH, CELERY, CAULIFLOWER,EGGPLANTMICHAEL PHILLIPSHORTICULTURE STUDENT BUILT STRUCTURES WILLTRANSFORM THE CONTEMPORARY PRISON LANDSCAPE AND
PROMOTE THE REHABILITATIVE EXPERIENCE OF GARDENING
THROUGH STEWARDSHIP WHILE CREATING OUTDOOR SOCIAL
HUBS IN A PEACEFUL GARDEN ENVIRONMENTDESIGNED BY MICHAEL PHILLIPSDesign by Michael Phillips
contact with any questions
phillips1.michael@gmail.com
971-409-3969
Manufacturer: Cedar Schemes (WA)
Cost per assembly:
4’x8’ Planter/Bench Combination - $1,875
4’x8’ Planter Only - $1,025
8’ Bench Only (if added to planter later) - $850
quoted 10/04/2019
Includes:•All components shown in drawing. Lumber cut to size withholes made in material.
•
Assembly instructions prepared with photographs 		
illustrating the assembly process			
Does not include:•Sales tax. Estimated WA sales tax 10%•
Delivery to Olympia $150, if other location delivery cost to
be determined•
Finishing. Planter/bench will use Western Red Cedar(S4S tight knot) which should last 10-15 years untreated•Planter liner

This planter invites participants to plan their landscapeexperience and create dynamic garden spaces by arranging
multiple planter boxes in a myriad of configurations.

Cluster

DirectionalCove

GridPathCongregate

The angular design of this planter allows for configuration
possibilities rectangular boxes do not. By applying a benchseat to select planters, users of the garden will enjoy rest
and reflection in a quiet natural setting. Depending on theorientaton, seating allows for small or large gatherings,
creating socialization in a peacful environment.

PROJECT20191004_GBF_ASSEMBLYDRAWING TITLERENDERINGDESIGNED BY: MICHAEL PHILLIPSREVISION:
Copyright Michael Phillips 2019SHEET NUMBER
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NTS

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DATE: 10/4/2019

PROJECT

20191004_GBF_ASSEMBLYDRAWING TITLERENDERINGSDESIGNED BY: MICHAEL PHILLIPSREVISION:
Copyright Michael Phillips 2019SHEET NUMBER
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121.14deg
63.181in

46.681in
119.43deg

19.780in
90.00deg

PLANTER WITH BENCH

16.500in

96.000in

PLANTER - TOP

22.000in

PLANTER WITHOUT BENCH

18.000in

PROJECT20191004_GBF_ASSEMBLY
PLANTER - FRONTDRAWING TITLEASSEMBLY

PLANTER - SIDEDESIGNED BY: MICHAEL PHILLIPSREVISION:
Copyright Michael Phillips 2019SHEET NUMBER
SCALE

1:163OF8DATE: 10/4/2019

ITEM NO.
12341/4" x 26" ALUMINUM ROD
BOARD A (2)BOARD B (1)BOARD E (4)BOARD F (4)BOARD G (2)BOARD D (8)PART NUMBER
Board A
Board B
Board C
Board DDESCRIPTION
96" x 5.5" x 1.5" CEDAR BOARD
96" x 5.5" x 1.5" CEDAR BOARD
96" x 5.5" x 1.5" CEDAR BOARD
20" x 5.5" x 1.5" CEDAR BOARDQTY.
21185

Board E

55.75" x 5.5" x 1.5" CEDAR BOARD46

Board F55.75" x 5.5" x 1.5" CEDAR BOARD

478910Board G
Board H
Board I
Board J22" x 3" x 3" CEDAR BOARD
96" x 5.5" x 1.5" CEDAR BOARD
18" x 5.5" x 1.5" CEDAR BOARD
18" x 5.5" x 1.5" CEDAR BOARD

2521011

Board K

5.5" x 5.5" x 1.5" CEDAR BOARD

1012Nylon cable tie
Stainless Steel hex headcap screw 1/2"-3 Thread
Size

McMaster Carr #69455K218McMaster Carr #92198A1284McMaster Carr #98438A033

4McMaster Carr #94804A340

41/4" x 26"

513141516

Stainless Steel ExternalTooth Lock washer 1/2"
ID
Stainless Steel Hex Nut
1/2"-13 Thread SizeAluminum RodGENERAL NOTE:BOARD SIZE IS BASED ON THE NOMINAL DIMENSIONS OF A 2" x 6" CEDAR
BOARD, ASSUMING ACTUAL SIZE OF 1.5" x 5.5"
(4) 316 STAINLESS STEELHEX NUT(4) STAINLESS STEEL EXTERNALTOOTH LOCK WASHER(8) NYLON CABLE TIE

BOARD CPROJECT

BOARD A (2)20191004_GBF_ASSEMBLY

BOARD J (10)DRAWING TITLE

BOARD H (5)EXPLODED ASSEMBLY

BOARD K (10)DESIGNED BY: MICHAEL PHILLIPS

BOARD I (2)(4) 18-8 STAINLESS STEELHEX HEAD CAP SCREWREVISION:Copyright Michael Phillips 2019SHEET NUMBER
SCALE

NTS

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.750in.313in THRU

96.000in

3.750in

2.750in

2.750in5.500in1.500in
BOARD A

.625in THRU
.313in THRU

96.000in
8.125in
3.750in1.250in
2.750in5.500in
2.750in1.500in

BOARD B

.625in THRU
.563in THRU
.313in THRU

96.000in

8.125in
3.750in

PROJECT

2.750in5.500in20191004_GBF_ASSEMBLYDRAWING TITLE

BOARDS A, B, C

2.750in
BOARD C

1.500in

DESIGNED BY: MICHAEL PHILLIPS.625in THRUREVISION:.563in THRU
Copyright Michael Phillips 2019SHEET NUMBER
SCALE

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DATE: 10/4/2019

A

1.500in.313in THRU

1.625in1.500in.750in.750in.500in20.000in
1.625in1.500in

2.750in

2.750in5.500in

BOARD D.625in THRU

.500in3.750in.313in THRU

DETAIL A
SCALE 1 : 155.750in
1.625in.750in.500in5.500in
2.750in1.625in

BOARD E.500in.313in THRU

DETAIL B
SCALE 1 : 155.750in

B
1.625in

PROJECT20191004_GBF_ASSEMBLYDRAWING TITLE

2.750in

BOARDS D, E, F

5.500in

DESIGNED BY: MICHAEL PHILLIPSREVISION:
BOARD F

Copyright Michael Phillips 2019SHEET NUMBER
SCALE

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22.000in
2.750in5.500in5.500in5.500in

2.750in.625in THRU
.750in3.000in

3.000in
PROJECT20191004_GBF_ASSEMBLY
BOARD G - TOPDRAWING TITLE

BOARD G - SIDE

BOARD GDESIGNED BY: MICHAEL PHILLIPSREVISION:
Copyright Michael Phillips 2019SHEET NUMBER
SCALE

1:27OF

8DATE: 10/4/2019

1.500in.563in THRU

8.125in5.500in96.000in
BOARD H

1.500in5.500in

2.750in5.500in

2.750in.500inC

1.500in5.500in.563in THRU.563in.563in THRU
1.250in18.000in

5.500in18.000in

DETAIL CSCALE 1 : 4

2.750in1.500in

BOARD K2.750in

BOARD I

BOARD JPROJECT.250in

20191004_GBF_ASSEMBLY

26.000in

DRAWING TITLE

BOARDS H, I, J, K, ALUMINUM ROD

ALUMINUM RODSCALE 1:4

DESIGNED BY: MICHAEL PHILLIPSREVISION:
Copyright Michael Phillips 2019SHEET NUMBER
SCALE

1:88OF

8DATE: 10/4/2019