NCJ Number
39032
Date Published
1975
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND UNIQUE FUNCTIONAL DESIGN OF THE TRIANGULAR-SHAPED SKYSCRAPER DETENTION CENTER LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO.
Abstract
THE DETENTION CENTER IS PART OF A FEDERAL DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM IN HUMANITARIAN PRISON CONDITIONS. THE BUILDING FEATURES PRIVATE ROOMS WITH WINDOWS TO THE OUTSIDE, CARPETING, BRIGHT COLORED FURNISHINGS AND FREE ACCESS TO LOUNGE AND RECREATION AREAS. THE 27 -STORY TOWER HAS ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE LOWER STORIES, PRISONERS ON THE UPPER STORIES, AND A TREE-EDGED EXERCISE YARD ON THE ROOF. EACH ROOM HAS A FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOW FIVE INCHES WIDE, FORMING A RANDOM PATTERN ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING. THE TRIANGULAR PLAN WAS CHOSEN SINCE IT PROVIDED THE MOST PERIMETER FOR THE AVAILABLE SPACE, AND PERIMETER WAS NEEDED SO THAT EACH ROOM COULD HAVE A WINDOW. SECURITY FEATURES OF THE FACILITY AND THE COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO CONSTRUCTION OF THE DETENTION CENTER ARE BRIEFLY DESCRIBED....DMC