Mr Bolatito Akinrolabu

Job: PhD student

Faculty: Computing, Engineering and Media

School/department: School of Engineering and Sustainable Development

Address: De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH

T: N/A

E: bolatito.akinrolabu@my365.dmu.ac.uk

 

Personal profile

Bolatito Akinrolabu is a Sustainability Researcher, Analyser and Specialist, applying complex theories to criminal justice settings in the wider Criminal Justice Sector. For his Master dissertation, Bola initiated and completed a research project on Sustainability in Prisons, which though focused mainly on UK prisons, for comparative study, the research involved organisations like the Sustainability in Prisons Project (SPP) that with access to US prisons. The research studied, through a triple-bottom line perspective, green and sustainability initiatives in prisons and examined their impact on social value, social justice and influence on leading offenders to their moment of change.

In his current research role, Bola is working towards establishing a correlation between biophilia in carceral spaces, green activities, health and wellbeing, resource conservation and impact on reducing recidivism rates. He intends to achieve this through the proposal of innovative methods that incorporate and adapt Biophilic Designs into future carceral designs and modification of existing carceral environments.

Research interests/expertise

  • Sustainability
  • Biophilia and Biophilic Designs
  • Criminal Justice
  • Prisons, Carceral Spaces, Carceral Aesthetics
  • Reoffending, Recidivism, Desistance, Nudge Theories
  • Digital Technologies and Innovation
  • Digital Inclusion, Literacy and Offender Education
  • Carceral Aesthetical Impacts: Acoustics, Lighting and Air Quality

Qualifications

PgCert, Masters Degree

PhD project

Title

Sustainability in Prisons: Biophilic Designs, Carceral Spaces, Green Initiatives, and Implications for Environmental, Economic and Social Wellbeing.

Abstract

Researchers have used empirical evidence to demonstrate that well-designed green initiatives in prisons, adapted to specific conditions, can lead to change in behaviour and reduce reoffending. “Green prisons” research often focuses on what is best for the environment, while bypassing other concerns and perspectives. This study aims to draw a correlation between biophilic designs, green initiatives in prisons, and desired outcomes like behaviour change, improved wellbeing and reduction in economic and resource waste. Through an offender-centric approach and practitioner perspectives, it aims to identify perceptions and sensitivities which may be drivers or barriers. It will also explore Innovative methods for introducing biophilic designs into internal carceral spaces like cells, classrooms and other social areas within prisons, with the aim of a wider impact within criminal justice settings.

bola-akinlorabu