NCJ Number
128414
Date Published
1990
Length
92 pages
Annotation
The 1990 Committee on Architecture for Justice of the American Institute of Architects has compiled drawings and descriptions of criminal justice and correctional facilities.
Abstract
The jury selecting the architectural projects was especially cognizant of some of the recent trends in courtroom trials. Larger trials, for example, demand enlargement of the area in front of the bench to accommodate hearings with several litigants. Future design will require increasing flexibility to allow for 10 or more litigants while maintaining the decorum and security of the smaller courtroom. The jury saw as a positive trend the use of larger living modules in correctional facilities. Another trend was an increasing amount of natural light in both day rooms and cells in all types of facilities. A more normalized environment with access to light and physical outdoor space enhances direct supervision. Increasing drug- and alcohol-related crimes have created a need for special types of housing within correctional facilities. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation units are incorporated in some of the projects. The jury felt that law enforcement facilities should exhibit a community service image while maintaining a secure environment for correctional staff. The jury also determined that future correctional projects should have special units for housing problem inmates, specifically AIDS and geriatric patients.