Roshini Lobo

Parables of Hope is designed for people in prisons to learn about faith visually. Research shows that practicing faith enhances emotional well-being among prisoners and reduces the rates of recidivism. The loss of freedom experienced in prisons influenced me to focus my direction on prisoners. To understand the design opportunity, I visited Castle Huntly prison which has a wonderful chapel for people to learn and practice faith.

Like parables, which are stories with hidden messages and use the familiar to illustrate unfamiliar concepts, Parables of Hope contain the message of hope, hidden in symbolic elements. The design uses objects, fabric, and lights in different colours, each having different symbolic meanings.

The material used in the design is beech wood, which symbolizes 'change that comes with realization'. The form signifies confinement, and the light represents hope. This indicates there is hope even in confinement. Blue colour typifies God and Scarlet colour typifies Man. Purple, which is a blend of blue and scarlet, typifies Jesus who connects God and man. White colour and linen fabric represent righteousness. These symbols are explained in the form of audio when the lid is lifted and placed near the ears. There are also scripture cards with relevant bible verses for reference. 

This is designed to be kept in the prison chapel and this prompts conversations around the topic of faith. 'Parables of Hope' creates a sense of curiosity and surprise and at the same time conveys the message of hope and faith to the prisoners.