Reflection Area

Reflection

The best thing I saw happen in that prison was when I was released (laughs) ... I felt the day I was released made up for the day that I was first put in there. The day you’re released is reverse from that feeling.28

Interpretation framework

Reflection

Narrative arc: Resolution

The feeling of leaving the prison may have been relief commingled with the overwhelming emotions of having to readapt to life in the outside world. A timeline of different penal philosophies could be further elaborated in this space along with contemporary statistics of recidivism in Australia today (over 50% of prisoners in NSW return to prison within two years)29 to invite visitors to reflect on the gaol system.

Note: Location of this space to be confirmed in next phase of documentation.

Interpretive concepts

Experience 1 (Group/intimate)

Visitor’s reflection moment

Characters: All

Story 1:

‘Success in the gaol system can be comparable to diamonds. They’re very small, they’re very rare, and very few in between.’ 30

What is the rate of recidivism in the correctional system in Australia? What are the different phases of penal philosophies?

Story 2: Encourage the visitor to reflect on their time at the Gaol. What did they feel?

Key audience: All

Suggested devices:

• Interpretive displays—large and small sitespecific displays

• LED interactives

Interpretation framework