The University of Washington has invested over 7 million dollars into Correctional Industries a system that exploits incarcerated workers for their labor.

Since 2011, all dorm furniture used on campus has been built by prison labor.

Key information:
-Incarcerated workers are paid $0.65—$1.70 per hour and work 40+ hours a week
-Incarcerated workers are exposed to harsh and unsafe working conditions
-The UW’s own supplier code sates that ‘The Supplier shall not use coerced or forced labor’

There is an existing ASUW Senate Divestment Bill, which is a student led initiative that is demanding the UW to fully divest from Correctional Industries.

Our concept focuses on deconstructing the ASUW Senate Divestment Bill. We did this by designing a walkthrough installation that brings awareness to UW’s involvement with prison labor. The experience breaks down the ASUW Divestment Bill and encourages students and faculty to get involved.

The installation is located on Denny Field, a social space that can be overlooked by all North Campus dorms and connected to walkways on North Campus. Made of PVC pipes and tarp, we wanted to use these materials to reminisce the visual language of the mono lines already expressed on the filed. At an aerial view, the installations would blend within the dorm plan.

Upon entering the installation, students and faculty will receive a pamphlet to enhance the experience. We were inspired by the simplicity of Ikea’s building manuals for our pamphlet. At the end of the walkthrough, we provide resources and accessible ways audience members can get involved through a microsite.