Merging Social Science and Neuroscience in Architecture: Creating a Framework to Functionally Re-integrate Ex-Convicts

Every year the United States corrections system costs tax payers $52 billion. The failures of the prison system are both tangible and intangible. This Thesis research builds on existing literature to seek out a solution to the high rate of recidivism post release. Can design be employed as a tool with the potential to reduce rates of recidivism in the prison population? The City of Springfield, in Western Massachusetts, acts as a test case to examine the inter-relationships of social science, neuroscience, and architecture. Initial research identified the primary obstacles individuals face after prison that contribute to keeping recidivism rates high. This is not intended to oversimplify the issues or suggest there is an easy solution, but to provide a starting point to try something new. Ultimately, this thesis deals with how architecture can provide a concrete solution to the deep set, less tangible roadblocks to successful reintegration. Residents often lack a sense of self-worth, personal responsibility and stable social ties. In addition to designing a building to provide the physical support system that released prisoners often lack, such as housing, access to transportation, and access to services, the project will explore techniques to serve a much greater purpose and provide a model for a re-imagined process of incarceration, release, healing and growth

Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the White House

One of four stamps issued in the months after FDR\u27s death in 1945. Commemorates his time in the White House. First day covers are envelopes or postcards with a stamp canceled on the first day the stamp is available for purchase and use. Often the postmark is a special pictorial cancellation indicating the city and date of issue. First day covers often include a cachet or illustration on the envelope that explains or compliments the stamp.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/firstdaycover/1042/thumbnail.jp

Joel Chandler Harris

This stamp honors American journalist and author Joel Chandler Harris, famous for his Uncle Remus stories. First day covers are envelopes or postcards with a stamp canceled on the first day the stamp is available for purchase and use. Often the postmark is a special pictorial cancellation indicating the city and date of issue. First day covers often include a cachet or illustration on the envelope that explains or compliments the stamp.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/firstdaycover/1106/thumbnail.jp

International Red Cross

Stamp honors International Red Cross. Cachet features 1864 Treaty of Geneva and International Red Cross founder Henri Dunant. First day covers are envelopes or postcards with a stamp canceled on the first day the stamp is available for purchase and use. Often the postmark is a special pictorial cancellation indicating the city and date of issue. First day covers often include a cachet or illustration on the envelope that explains or compliments the stamp.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/firstdaycover/1037/thumbnail.jp

Louisiana Purchase

Issued in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. First day covers are envelopes or postcards with a stamp canceled on the first day the stamp is available for purchase and use. Often the postmark is a special pictorial cancellation indicating the city and date of issue. First day covers often include a cachet or illustration on the envelope that explains or compliments the stamp.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/firstdaycover/1047/thumbnail.jp

Indiana territory

Stamp celebrates Indiana Territory Sesquicentnnial and William Henry Harrison, the territory\u27s first governor. First day covers are envelopes or postcards with a stamp canceled on the first day the stamp is available for purchase and use. Often the postmark is a special pictorial cancellation indicating the city and date of issue. First day covers often include a cachet or illustration on the envelope that explains or compliments the stamp.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/firstdaycover/1039/thumbnail.jp

A century of friendship with Canada

Stamp celebrates one hundred years of friendship and peace with Canada and features the old Niagra Railway Suspension Bridge. First day covers are envelopes or postcards with a stamp canceled on the first day the stamp is available for purchase and use. Often the postmark is a special pictorial cancellation indicating the city and date of issue. First day covers often include a cachet or illustration on the envelope that explains or compliments the stamp.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/firstdaycover/1012/thumbnail.jp

Fort Bliss centennial

Commemorates centennial of Fort Bliss, Texas. 1848-1948. First day covers are envelopes or postcards with a stamp canceled on the first day the stamp is available for purchase and use. Often the postmark is a special pictorial cancellation indicating the city and date of issue. First day covers often include a cachet or illustration on the envelope that explains or compliments the stamp.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/firstdaycover/1025/thumbnail.jp

Netherlands overrun nations series

In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, an avid stamp collector, asked the U.S. Postmaster General to issue a series of stamps to honor the European nations that had been overrun or occupied by the Axis powers during World War II. First day covers are envelopes or postcards with a stamp canceled on the first day the stamp is available for purchase and use. Often the postmark is a special pictorial cancellation indicating the city and date of issue. First day covers often include a cachet or illustration on the envelope that explains or compliments the stamp.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/firstdaycover/1005/thumbnail.jp

Colorado 75 years of statehood

Stamp recognizes Colorado\u27s 75th anniversary of statehood 1876-1951. First day covers are envelopes or postcards with a stamp canceled on the first day the stamp is available for purchase and use. Often the postmark is a special pictorial cancellation indicating the city and date of issue. First day covers often include a cachet or illustration on the envelope that explains or compliments the stamp.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/firstdaycover/1082/thumbnail.jp