This study investigates the hypothesis that culturally appropriate architectural design may be beneficial to the psychological comfort and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people occupying correctional institutions, detention centres, community watchhouses and police holding cells. This is achieved through an investigation of the historical precedence of, and establishing the context for, the provision of culturally­ appropriate built environments (with particular reference to detention facilities) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The conclusions drawn from this study, highlight the major issues which need to be addressed by architects when designing culturally-specific architecture for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There is currently inadequate amounts of research into the potential that culturally-appropriate architectural design may have for significantly reducing the number of Indigenous deaths in custody. This dissertation ultimately identifies areas into which further research is immediately required.