Correctional facilities in many parts of the country are facing serious problems when it comes to overcrowding. The problem does not appear to be going away any time soon. The cost of constructing new correctional facilities to meet the demands in an area is becoming prohibitive. A solution is to construct correctional facilities using modular design methods. Modular correctional facilities have a number of advantages.
Cost
One of the factors that prison construction companies must deal with is cost. Modular buildings used as correction facilities are very cost-effective. The bulk of the construction occurs in a factory so work site issues, lost supplies and damage from weather during construction are not an issue.
Expansion Options
Many correctional facilities are already designed in a modular layout or sections. This is done for several reasons including better security for workers and the people living around the facility. The modular design makes it very easy to expand the facility as needed. The facility can add new housing units or other rooms as necessary. Additionally, smaller freestanding modular buildings can be constructed quickly on the property for special purposes.
Solid Construction
Prison construction requires durable materials and modern techniques in order to create a solid and secure facility that will last for a long time. Correctional facilities receive more wear and strain than most other buildings because of the volume of people coming through. A modular correctional facility is created in a factory using best practices and accurate tools. The walls are allowed to cure inside instead of while exposed to the weather to increase strength. Final assembly is simple so that the facility will have no weak points once it is completed. Additionally, modular correctional facilities meet or exceed all local and state building codes and security measures.
Flexibility
Modular design allows for an increased level of flexibility. Each of the modules that make up the facility can be customized with surveillance equipment or other essential tools for guards and staff. The individual modules make it simple to design a facility that takes maximum advantage of the space while also creating a secure interior layout. Parts of a modular facility can even be disassembled or changed over the years without affecting other parts of the building.
With
roughly one in every 100 adults in the United States incarcerated, correction
facilities are experiencing an extreme degree of overcrowding. In fact, with budget cuts and a lack
of funding, the prison system is desperate to find a plausible solution. In the
meantime, correctional institutions should take a look at relieving the
crowding strain by using modular construction to take care of their excess
inmate housing needs.
Besides
the obvious speed of using modular construction, modular buildings offer more
advantages for
constructing medium and minimum security facilities such as flexibility and cost
effectiveness. Complying with all federal,
state and local regulations, these buildings can be customized to include surveillance equipment and other necessary
items to maintain security parameters.
Modularcorrectional facilities are primarily built at a factory. Once the bulk of construction
is complete, modules are transported to any location inmate housing may be
needed. Once delivered, final interior and exterior finishes are applied and
utilities are connected. This accelerated construction process results in a
shorter project timeline and earlier occupancy.
For correctional institutions looking for an
inmate housing solution, a modular building offers a cost-effective and
long-term answer. Modular buildings are just as safe, secure and protective of public welfare as alternative options. With
overcrowding continuing to be a foreseeable problem, administrators are urged
to take action now by considering modular construction.
