Inmates' Perception of the Built Environment in Borstal Training Institution, Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

It is established that the built environment has a major influence on juveniles and cannot be ignored in the quest to curb juvenile delinquency. The architectural design of juvenile rehabilitation centres should therefore possess the qualities that will enhance the rehabilitation process. It is in this regard that the built environment of Borstal Training Institution, Ilorin is examined with the aim of establishing relationship between the perception of the built environment and its subsequent effects on behaviour of inmates. Visual survey was used to collect data alongside questionnaires which were administered on 79 delinquents aged 14-21 years. Findings from the questionnaire survey indicates negative perception of inmates with regards to facility location, sporting facilities, religious facilities, views from interiors, building exterior views, and interior colours while there was a positive perception of inmates towards landscape elements, character of buildings, and distance between facilities. The study concludes that the perception of the built environment by delinquents in Borstal Training Institution, Ilorin can be improved greatly by gearing the various components of the built environment towards reformation and reintegration rather than punishment.

Keywords: Built environment, Inmate, Juveniles, Perception, Reformation, Rehabilitation