Baerten interviewed male prisoners across Flanders about how they saw the prison of the 21st century. Given the chance to have things exactly as they want them, most prisoners would scrap the cell concept and live in houses accommodating 10 men together.

Such a system is in place in parts of Scandinavia, Baerten points out, where the increased responsibility placed on inmates has a positive effect on the atmosphere of the entire prison.

Other items on the inmates’ wish-list include more green space, more social contacts and increased possibilities for conjugal visits. Sexual contacts should not, as they are now, be limited to those who are in relationships lasting longer than six months. In the Netherlands, prisoners have the right to a visit from a prostitute, explained Baerten.

Toilet doors, though, remain at the top of the list. At present, prisoners engage in man’s most contemplative act in full view of cellmates. “The doors are removed for security reasons,” Baerten said. “The question is whether that takes precedence over privacy.”