As part of the South Australian Government’s better prisons program, Guymer Bailey Architects, in conjunction with Grieve Gillett Anderson, were engaged to design a $120 million expansion to the existing Yatala Labour Prison.

Works consisted of two staff buildings, two Accommodation buildings, one Programs and Special Needs building and one combined Visits, Admissions and Kitchen building. Guymer Bailey’s main involvement was with the design and documentation of the Visits, Admissions and Kitchen.

The design attempts to create a normative environment for the prisoners, by maximising natural light, using appropriate colours and materials for the spaces, providing moveable furniture and views to nature, all of which attempt to decrease stress and anxiety.

Guymer Bailey Architects aimed to push the boundaries of what is typically constructed in Visits Centres with inclusions such as a prison run cafe, loose furniture and both private and audio-visual booths.