The cell block was a characteristic feature of penal institutions constructed in both Europe and North America between 1820 and 1930. This one was built about 1906 as part of the new Alberta Penitentiary in Edmonton, but it is remarkably similar to the cell block designed for the Kingston institution in 1832.
A cell block consists of two parallel lines of cells, stacked in tiers, on either side of a central passageway. The theory behind the design of cell blocks was that it would facilitate the ventilation of cells and, more importantly, permit constant surveillance of prisoners. When prisoners left their cells in the morning and returned to them at night they had to file along the narrow gangway. Guards standing in the central passageway or on opposite tiers could easily observe the prisoners as they marched by and detect illicit behaviour. When the prisoners were in their cells, guards so positioned could survey many cells simultaneously. Inmates were made to feel that they were always being watched in the hope that this habit of mind would remain with them after release and would thereby encourage model behaviour at all times.
