The design and layout of correctional facilities are changing

Construction teams are changing the way they work together as layouts of facilities change with increased demand site here.

1. Special Management Housing

In the world of design, there is an increasing trend towards housing specifically designed for those with mental illness or special medical needs. An example of this would be to create separate mental monitoring units for women and men, as well as separate treatment rooms. In this case, it may be necessary to increase negative pressure in the cells and add padding. Also, in-cell monitoring cameras can be used.

One prison owner is building an entirely new replacement and asked to dedicate one of the sixteen cells blocks as a special area. This would include some unique features. One of the 16 cell blocks was designated as a mental unit, with these features. In addition, one block was designated a mental unit with these features. Based on these facts, 10% of 16 cell blocks are now dedicated to managing special needs. Clients also designed these units so each cell can accommodate up to three occupants.

2. Increasing capacity

Correctional capacity has increased. For border security purposes, it is necessary to increase the capacity of correctional facilities.

The countrywide acceptance of the four-man-to-eight-man-cell approach to housing the medium-security populations is increasing compared with the traditional two-man-cell method. The cost of construction can be reduced by using the hybrid method.

3. New Buildings

Not only is the need for more beds driving construction, but also the current economic state. It is not the bed demand that drives construction, but rather the economic conditions.

The cost of new builds is often higher than the initial renovations. However, improvements in safety and energy efficiency can make it worth their while.

In new construction, floor plans can be made more flexible to improve the operational workflow.

For the creation of new facilities, new equipment is required. Initial investment in new technology, like high-efficiency mechanical or electric equipment, or enhanced security electronics will be a very small percentage of the total cost. Owners are prepared to invest more at first for the sake of improved operating efficiency. This is different to the perception of a higher premium for upgrades that include the replacement or complete overhaul of existing systems.

When agencies think about ways to reduce costs, protect resources, and reduce their carbon footprints they consider the total cost. The agencies do not focus only on the construction costs. Owners of newly constructed buildings are now paying more attention to efficient layouts, as well security systems that could lower operating costs and utilities fees over the lifetime of a building.

4. Specialty providers

Construction of correctional facilities is increasing in demand.

This increase in demand has led to an increase in price for detention and security items. Lengths of lead time for obtaining material are also increasing.

How have contractors dealt with this issue? To accommodate the longer lead-times designers adjust their design in order to meet budget and scheduling requirements. It varies depending on how the project is progressing and when it will be completed. A cell-specific design can be affected by the capacity of a modular cell and its current design. This increased demand can lead to longer construction periods and, therefore, higher costs. Customers are also motivated to hire contractors early due to the limited capacity of manufacturing and the increase in demand. Pre-planning is important to avoid high prices and delays.

The designs of corrections facility and the demands for more capacity have not only influenced how owners approach their needs but also how construction teams collaborate, design and be more efficient. Construction teams must adapt as our world changes.

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