Last week I wrote about a call for bids to build three new immigrant detention facilities. For those worried about the demand to build more glorified jails and the money it will cost to build them, maybe this will make you feel better, the centers are supposed to be nice!

“The two resident living units should be located such that the front doors of the units open onto the quad/green space. The educational and indoor recreational program buildings also face onto the quad/green space and are easily accessible to the resident living units…. The site should provide numerous open/green space areas for both large and small group recreational and educational program opportunities to take place. Fenced-in play areas for toddlers are located directly adjacent to the living units, allowing for parent supervision. Soccer, volleyball and basketball areas should be nearby but separated from the living units. The main quad shall also provide small group gathering areas for the residents to gather or for staff to utilize for different program services.” (pg.
The single building plan contains the same basic components as the campus plan, but in a single building, with green space around the building. This plan is “more conducive to an urban site.” This building is organized as follows:

“A centralized interior circulation spine acts as the organizer to which the components of the [facility] are attached. The administrative functions are located near the front entry to the site. The appearance of the administration building should be non-institutional, warm, welcoming and incorporate such features as a gabled or sloped roof for a more residential style/appeal. The resident living units are located along the main circulation spine and surround a common outdoor activity/program service area. All of the resident services functions are also located along the main circulation spine, each having a designated entry or “store front” appearance, similar to a mall concept. The location of these functions will allow for easy access by residents. The services located along the main spine include recreational and educational programs, resident services, visitation, health services, library and dining…. The site provides numerous open/green space areas for both large and small group recreational and educational program opportunities to take place. Fenced in play areas for toddlers are located directly adjacent to the living units, allowing for parent supervision, while the soccer, volleyball and basketball areas are nearby, but separate from the living units.” (pg. 9)

As nice as they may be, it’s important to know that they are still detention facilities, meaning that the people cannot leave!

Via / T. Don. Hutto

Image Via / Justice for Immigrants