“The city, however, does not tell its past, but contains it like the lines of a hand”

– Italo Calvino

restorative cities

The concept of restorative cities is a response to the social challenges posed by rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and the need for more sustainable and livable urban spaces. It aligns with a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between the built environment, justice and the well-being of individuals and communities.

The term “restorative city” can have different interpretations based on the context in which it is used. The concept of a restorative city aligns with the idea of creating more sustainable, livable, and resilient urban environments that benefit both people and the planet. It often involves a holistic and integrated approach to justice that considers environmental, social, cultural, and economic factors.

core questions

01.
How can detention houses contribute to justice in a city? Does the response differ according to the type of justice we think of (e.g. criminal justice, procedural justice, social justice, restorative justice, circular justice etc.)?
02.
Considering social justice: how do economic, social and cultural influence (in)justice in a city? And which role can detention houses play in this process?
03.
How does restorative justice relate to restorative cities?
The concept of restorative cities is a response to the social challenges posed by rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and the need for more sustainable and livable urban spaces. It aligns with a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between the built environment, justice and the well-being of individuals and communities.

restorative cities

The concept of restorative cities is a response to the social challenges posed by rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and the need for more sustainable and livable urban spaces. It aligns with a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between the built environment, justice and the well-being of individuals and communities.

The term "restorative city" can have different interpretations based on the context in which it is used. The concept of a restorative city aligns with the idea of creating more sustainable, livable, and resilient urban environments that benefit both people and the planet. It often involves a holistic and integrated approach to justice that considers environmental, social, cultural, and economic factors.

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core questions

01.
How can detention houses contribute to justice in a city? Does the response differ according to the type of justice we think of (e.g. criminal justice, procedural justice, social justice, restorative justice, circular justice etc.)?
02.
Considering social justice: how do economic, social and cultural influence (in)justice in a city? And which role can detention houses play in this process?
03.
How does restorative justice relate to restorative cities?
Important note 2.

Restorative justice practices shall be a priority in the criminal justice system.

PART III. FACILITY

Social climate

Art. 33

Request & complaint procedures

  1. Detention houses shall adhere to the national regulation on complaint procedures.
  2. With regards to request and complaint procedures article 60-63 of the CoE Recommendation, restorative justice shall be applicable, prescribing proactive use of restorative principles and approaches.
  3. Restorative justice shall be the first choice in conflict resolution among people in detention, or people in detention and staff.
  4. As long as national complaint procedures do not include standards for restorative justice this shall be realized by the detention house according to international or national standards for Restorative Justice.
PART IV. COMMUNITY
Art. 53

Social sustainability

    1. Whenever possible and in the best interest of individuals in detention and their personal well-being, as well that of their family and friends, people in detention shall be given the opportunity to maintain close proximity to their personal network, during their period of detention.
    2. Detention houses shall collaborate with partners on a local level.
      2.1. Community services and facilities for the general population shall be available on an equal basis to persons in a detention house.
      2.2. People in detention shall have access to a range of residential and other community support services, including personal assistance needed to support community living and integration and to prevent isolation or seclusion from the community.
    3. Detention houses shall generate value for the quality of life of the community. This includes promoting social and cultural life, and citizen engagement.
      3.1. Detention houses shall promote initiatives that can collaborate with the local community to organize events, workshops and cultural exchanges and actively seek input and participation from community members.
      3.2. Detention houses shall consider activities such as hosting a talk café, arranging for buddies from the community who visit and engage in friendly conversations with individuals in detention, or organizing events that encourage interaction between the individuals and the local community to enrich social and cultural life.

 

Art. 54

Restorative justice

  1. Restorative justice shall be applied when it is determined to benefit the well-being of individuals involved, including victims and family members.
  2. Restorative justice processes shall provide opportunities for open communication and dialogue between individuals in detention and those impacted by their actions. Mediation, facilitated conflict settlement, restorative conferences or restorative circles should be employed to foster understanding and healing.
  3. Training and education on restorative justice principles and practices shall be provided to both staff and individuals in detention to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the process and its importance in the reintegration process of those in detention.
  4. If in any instance, it benefits the well-being of people involved (victims, family members) that the person in detention lives close by, the possibility shall be offered in terms of restorative justice.
  5. Restorative justice initiatives within detention facilities shall prioritize the needs and well-being of individuals impacted by the transgressive act. Victims and their families should have a role in the design and implementation of these initiatives to ensure their interests are considered.
  6. During the stay in a detention house, the person in detention shall be enabled to restore the harm caused by the offense both symbolically, financially and emotionally.
  7. Using Restorative Justice principles and approaches the CoE recommendation on Restorative Justice shall be applicable within the practice of detention houses (inside and in the local community).
Art. 55

Environmental sustainability

  1. The built environment of a detention house shall visually and spatially blend in with its community.
  2. The built environment of a detention house shall be flexible and dynamic so that it can be transformed for another purpose when it is no longer needed to accommodate incarcerated people (e.g., regular houses).
  3. A detention house shall be designed and managed in such a way that it maintains the quality of life of the environment in which it is located. This includes ways to reduce emission and other waste, to reduce the use of water and energy, and to employ renewable energy sources.
  4. Detention houses shall make use of local resources. Goods and services needed for the house, such as food, healthcare, etc., shall be bought as much as possible from the community where the detention house is located, thus supporting the local economy and reducing the footprint linked to long distance transport.
  5. Detention houses shall be easily accessible by public transport.
Art. 56

Economical sustainability

  1. Detention houses shall apply circular economy principles by default.
  2. Detention houses shall generate value for the neighbourhood, which may translate in economic value for the detention house. More specifically, social purpose projects like a social restaurant, a supermarket, a repair shop or the sale of home-grown vegetables may provide an income to the detention house.
  3. As far as possible, people who are incarcerated in a detention house shall be employed by companies or nonprofit organizations and work for these employers outside of the detention house.
  4. When it is not possible to leave the detention house on a regular basis, the work provided in the detention house shall enable people to earn salaries or wages that are similar to those in society. This work shall also enable people to maintain or increase their ability to earn a living after release.
  5. The national governing body responsible for social security matters shall make all arrangements necessary to ensure that all individuals in the detention house can access the welfare benefits they are entitled to during and after their stay in the detention house.
  6. Due to its small-scale and social climate, a detention house shall optimize more efficient and effective allocation of human resources.

THE EUROPEAN RULES ON DETENTION HOUSES​

The European Rules on Detention Houses (ERDH) is a milestone document for the criminal justice system and reflects the larger impact of this system on society. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of Europe, the ERDH were launched on October 31st as common standards to implement small-scale, differentiated and community-integrated detention houses in the European Union, as part of a pivotal change already happening in criminal justice systems across Europe. The ERDH set out the ecosystem of a detention house on its own and as part of, and within a community and society, emphasizing sustainability. As the European Prison Rules have been common standards for large-scale prison institutions, the European Rules on Detention Houses shall form essential standards for detention houses, in order to guarantee a way of liberty deprivation that is humane and more fit for the 21stcentury.

European Rules on Detention Houses [ERDH]

THE EUROPEAN RULES ON DETENTION HOUSES​​

The European Rules on Detention Houses (ERDH) is a milestone document for the criminal justice system and reflects the larger impact of this system on society. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of Europe, the ERDH were launched on October 31st as common standards to implement small-scale, differentiated and community-integrated detention houses in the European Union, as part of a pivotal change already happening in criminal justice systems across Europe. The ERDH set out the ecosystem of a detention house on its own and as part of, and within a community and society, emphasizing sustainability. As the European Prison Rules have been common standards for large-scale prison institutions, the European Rules on Detention Houses shall form essential standards for detention houses, in order to guarantee a way of liberty deprivation that is humane and more fit for the 21stcentury.

Important note 2.

Restorative justice practices shall be a priority in the criminal justice system.

PART III. FACILITY

Social climate

Art. 33

Request & complaint procedures

  1. Detention houses shall adhere to the national regulation on complaint procedures.
  2. With regards to request and complaint procedures article 60-63 of the CoE Recommendation, restorative justice shall be applicable, prescribing proactive use of restorative principles and approaches.
  3. Restorative justice shall be the first choice in conflict resolution among people in detention, or people in detention and staff.
  4. As long as national complaint procedures do not include standards for restorative justice this shall be realized by the detention house according to international or national standards for Restorative Justice.
PART IV. COMMUNITY
Art. 53

Social sustainability

    1. Whenever possible and in the best interest of individuals in detention and their personal well-being, as well that of their family and friends, people in detention shall be given the opportunity to maintain close proximity to their personal network, during their period of detention.
    2. Detention houses shall collaborate with partners on a local level.
      2.1. Community services and facilities for the general population shall be available on an equal basis to persons in a detention house.
      2.2. People in detention shall have access to a range of residential and other community support services, including personal assistance needed to support community living and integration and to prevent isolation or seclusion from the community.
    3. Detention houses shall generate value for the quality of life of the community. This includes promoting social and cultural life, and citizen engagement.
      3.1. Detention houses shall promote initiatives that can collaborate with the local community to organize events, workshops and cultural exchanges and actively seek input and participation from community members.
      3.2. Detention houses shall consider activities such as hosting a talk café, arranging for buddies from the community who visit and engage in friendly conversations with individuals in detention, or organizing events that encourage interaction between the individuals and the local community to enrich social and cultural life.

 

Art. 54

Restorative justice

  1. Restorative justice shall be applied when it is determined to benefit the well-being of individuals involved, including victims and family members.
  2. Restorative justice processes shall provide opportunities for open communication and dialogue between individuals in detention and those impacted by their actions. Mediation, facilitated conflict settlement, restorative conferences or restorative circles should be employed to foster understanding and healing.
  3. Training and education on restorative justice principles and practices shall be provided to both staff and individuals in detention to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the process and its importance in the reintegration process of those in detention.
  4. If in any instance, it benefits the well-being of people involved (victims, family members) that the person in detention lives close by, the possibility shall be offered in terms of restorative justice.
  5. Restorative justice initiatives within detention facilities shall prioritize the needs and well-being of individuals impacted by the transgressive act. Victims and their families should have a role in the design and implementation of these initiatives to ensure their interests are considered.
  6. During the stay in a detention house, the person in detention shall be enabled to restore the harm caused by the offense both symbolically, financially and emotionally.
  7. Using Restorative Justice principles and approaches the CoE recommendation on Restorative Justice shall be applicable within the practice of detention houses (inside and in the local community).
Art. 55

Environmental sustainability

  1. The built environment of a detention house shall visually and spatially blend in with its community.
  2. The built environment of a detention house shall be flexible and dynamic so that it can be transformed for another purpose when it is no longer needed to accommodate incarcerated people (e.g., regular houses).
  3. A detention house shall be designed and managed in such a way that it maintains the quality of life of the environment in which it is located. This includes ways to reduce emission and other waste, to reduce the use of water and energy, and to employ renewable energy sources.
  4. Detention houses shall make use of local resources. Goods and services needed for the house, such as food, healthcare, etc., shall be bought as much as possible from the community where the detention house is located, thus supporting the local economy and reducing the footprint linked to long distance transport.
  5. Detention houses shall be easily accessible by public transport.
Art. 56

Economical sustainability

  1. Detention houses shall apply circular economy principles by default.
  2. Detention houses shall generate value for the neighbourhood, which may translate in economic value for the detention house. More specifically, social purpose projects like a social restaurant, a supermarket, a repair shop or the sale of home-grown vegetables may provide an income to the detention house.
  3. As far as possible, people who are incarcerated in a detention house shall be employed by companies or nonprofit organizations and work for these employers outside of the detention house.
  4. When it is not possible to leave the detention house on a regular basis, the work provided in the detention house shall enable people to earn salaries or wages that are similar to those in society. This work shall also enable people to maintain or increase their ability to earn a living after release.
  5. The national governing body responsible for social security matters shall make all arrangements necessary to ensure that all individuals in the detention house can access the welfare benefits they are entitled to during and after their stay in the detention house.
  6. Due to its small-scale and social climate, a detention house shall optimize more efficient and effective allocation of human resources.
EUROPEAN RULES ON DETENTION HOUSES [ERDH]

European organisations

Publications
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Publications

Working group on Restorative Cities: EFRJ
Working group on Restorative Cities: EFRJ
Million Dollar Blocks
Million Dollar Blocks
What a world without prisons could look like
What a world without prisons could look like
MASS design group
MASS design group
Travel Guide Restorative Cities
Travel Guide Restorative Cities
WORDS MATTER: USING HUMANIZING LANGUAGE
WORDS MATTER: USING HUMANIZING LANGUAGE

RESTORATIVE CITIES + URBAN MENTAL HEALTH: Challenges & Opportunities for the Next Decade

Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Well-being (2021), co-authored by Jenny Roe and Layla McCay, marks a significant development in the emerging field of urban design for mental health and provides a much-needed practical guide for policymakers and practitioners in the Covid-19 recovery period.

This roundtable discussion, moderated by Jenny Roe, brings together experts in restorative environments to address this new framework’s relevance and its application in light of increased mental health problems arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, the advancing climate crisis and health inequity.

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POLICY

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POLICY

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

core values

Together, we want to create a space where everyone can feel accepted and respected – regardless of gender identity, skin colour, religion, ethnicity or ability. We assume that all participants come to our events with the best intentions and treat each other with respect.

Event measures will follow the sustainability charter for the EU2024 Presidency and give substance to the pursuit of sustainable consumption and production, the fight against global warming, the preservation of nature and biodiversity, the integration of the perspective of gender equality into policies, and the full participation of persons with disabilities on an equal footing with other citizens.