Client projects: Frivården

Striking a balance between well-being and security

When Frivården in Borås moved to new, larger premises, Kinnarps was challenged with creating interior design solutions that support the needs of both staff and parolees. “It was vital that the solutions were holistic and well-planned to be both pleasant and secure,” says Maria Silver, one of the project managers for the new spaces.

Part of the correctional system, Frivård enforces parole. As such, the institution monitors offenders that are kept under supervision after being conditionally released or being put on parole. The work of Frivården primarily involves interaction with parolees, with a focus on change work.

"This means that we need not only traditional office and staff spaces, but also visitor spaces that are secure and private. We want all our spaces to be pleasant. By choosing the right colours and materials, Kinnarps has helped us create a good solution," says Silver, Manager Support for VO Frivården Halland/Västra Götaland.

As the correctional system in Sweden grows, so does Frivården, the largest part of the correctional system. Frivården in Borås had therefore outgrown its old facilities and could not meet the security needs of today.

"We have more parolees, and the climate has also changed. Our employees want a cosy and functional workplace, but security and a good working environment must always come first for both employees and parolees. Together with Kinnarps and other partners, we have reached a good solution," says criminal prosecution inspector Manilla Pettersson.

Among other things, the solution entails a uniform colour scheme with earthy colours to create a calm feeling and a secure atmosphere. Carpets, and Kinnarps’ complete delivery of furniture, textiles and lighting also contribute to a pleasant working environment. "We have had an ongoing and lively discussion with Kinnarps. They have come up with ideas and suggestions for not only the planning of the interior design, but also for specific products," says Silver.

In the premises’ higher security rooms, the furniture is affixed to the floor and has no removable parts. Another peculiarity is that none of the meeting rooms have windows, which makes it more difficult to create a pleasant environment. “It’s a challenge when designing the interior and requires an even higher focus on aesthetics to create a nice, inviting space,” says Silver.

Pettersson mentions that despite the quirks of the new premises, they are often praised. "A lot of our visitors, not least our colleagues from other offices, react enthusiastically and say they like our new premises. Personally, I really appreciate the staff social spaces. It is important that we have welcoming, relaxed spaces for socialising and talking to each other," she says.

Since the move in May of 2023, Frivården in Borås has continued to grow and more employees have been hired. Silver says that though priority was given to flexibility and potential expansion in the interior design from the outset, additional workstations are already needed. During the process, she and Kinnarps have not only discussed colours, design and furniture choices, but also the need to create long-term sustainable solutions. "We have reused a small amount of our existing furniture, but because we have been waiting for new premises, we hadn't purchased furniture in a long time. We have therefore needed to buy new furniture to create a good working environment, and we have focused on creating a sustainable workplace that will last," says Pettersson.

For example, this has meant taking a holistic approach to ergonomics and using height-adjustable desks. "But also things such as having pleasant social spaces with good lighting and acoustics and well-thought-out environments that meet the needs of the individual and operations. We are very pleased with our new premises," she concludes.