Design on the agenda for correctional services

“Behind the walls of Vik” is a Masters project in furniture design and production that involves Norwegian prison inmates. The SAMANLÅST collection is developed in cooperation with Region West Correctional Services, and provides possibilities for further development and transfer. The designer uses the design process, selection of materials and form in order to encourage values such as dignity and mastery.

A humanistic design project

The project aims to encourage rehabilitation by involving the inmates in Norwegian prisons in a better production, and providing higher quality in their daily lives than that offered by traditional pallet carpentry. The jury commends the project’s holistic thinking in using the design process as a way of involving the inmates and creating quality products. The designer has emphasised that this is a method that can be transferred to other prisons.

The products from the prison in Vik are beautiful oak dining room furniture. The inmates are able to identify themselves with something that is solid, has quality and is durable.

Design: Morten Skjærpe Knarrum

Award / year: Young Talent Award - 2012

Category: Open class