Building teams must collaborate more effectively to design and build buildings that are more efficient due to changes in the layout of facility home page, as well as the need for additional capacity.

1. Special management housing

In terms of design, there is an increasing emphasis placed on the need for special housing that addresses mental health issues and medical treatment. In addition to the medical treatment unit, it is possible to add separate units for female and male mental watch. There may be a need to have more cells with negative pressure, padded or otherwise. They might also require in-cell video cameras in order to keep track of the inmates.

Owner of one new prison under construction requested one 16 cell block to be built as an isolated unit. A segregated section would include wire mesh partitions for video visitation, and higher security levels in the outdoor recreation space. A similar owner asked for one of the sixteen cell blocks to become a unit dedicated to mental health. In this instance, more than 10% are dedicated to the special needs of management. It was also important to the client that these two units could be configured to have either two or one occupants per cell, better equipped to take care of occupants in need.

2. Increased capacity

There has been an increase in demand for capacity within the corrections industry. There is a growing need for more capacity in many facilities due to the increased focus on border protection.

There is a general increase in the acceptance of 4-man to 8-man cells for medium security populations, compared to two-man standard cell. This hybrid approach achieves a level of security comparable to that of two-man units while saving on the construction cost.

3. New Constructions

Because of this, new construction and facility expansion are more likely to be undertaken than renovations.

Renovations can cost more initially but pay dividends with increased efficiency, safety and comfort.

Building new facilities can allow for greater flexibility of floor plans. In some cases this will result in improved operations and lower staffing costs.

A new facility also requires new equipment. Therefore, investment in technology such as better mechanical or electrical equipment and improved security is just a fraction of what it costs to buy new equipment. Owners tend to be more willing than ever before to increase their initial investments for long-term benefits such as improved efficiency. There is no perceived premium when compared to upgrading an existing facility. However, this can prove difficult because the costs include the removal and replacement existing systems.

The total cost is being considered by agencies as they look to minimize operating costs while also saving natural resources. Now, many owners look closely at how better layouts and more secure security systems could help reduce operating expenses and utility costs for the entire life of the new facility.

4. Specialty suppliers

Due to the high volumes of construction in corrections currently planned and underway, there is great demand for suppliers of specialty products and services.

This increase in demand has led to a rise in prices for detention products, services and materials.

Contractors are facing a challenge. As a result of the increased lead time, team members are modifying their designs to fit budgets and schedules. These considerations change with each project as capacity changes for certain components. In some cases, the ability of the modular cell supplier to meet current or projected demand can determine the type of cell design that is used. This decision can then have a significant impact on how the system’s structural design will be approached. This higher demand could also cause longer construction timelines. Not only can this delay completion dates but it can also raise the construction cost. A combination of limited manufacturing capabilities and higher demand is encouraging clients to hire contractors in advance. By doing so, the contractor can pre-plan their orders and order items that require long lead times.

As corrections facilities evolve and become more capacious, so do the ways in which owners design their facility as well as how the construction teams work together. Outside factors are constantly changing, so the industry has to adapt and be flexible to make sure that the facilities meet the physical needs of housing as well the mental requirements.