CoreCivic operates approximately 50 correctional facilities throughout the United States and has recently implemented an evidence-based normalisation strategy to modernise its existing sites. A key element of this initiative is the Trauma-Informed Color Playbook, which was developed through close collaboration between CoreCivic and GB-A, and designed to guide the look-and-feel of these environments.

Drawing on GB-A’s expertise in trauma-informed design, this Playbook offers a carefully considered rationale for each colour choice, alongside practical guidance for its application in correctional and detention settings. Colours were selected to resonate with the regional context of each facility, with examples like warm earthy tones of orange and red used in desert regions to reflect the natural geographical environment.

The impact has been striking in the facilities where the Playbook has been adopted. According to CoreCivic, over 95% of residents in newly painted housing units reported a noticeable improvement in their mood, both during the day and at night. Prison staff have also expressed their enthusiasm, with many citing these newly designed spaces as their preferred units to work in, noting the positive atmosphere and overall improved environment. This initiative underscores the power of thoughtful design in rehabilitation settings, demonstrating how subtle interventions like colour can create a more supportive, human-centered space for both residents and staff.