Has anyone applied the views criteria to a courthouse or corrections facility? There tend to be pretty strict security requirements that exclude views (to keep courtroom occupants from being shot, for instance), so it may be reasonable to exclude such spaces for functional reasons. However, someone must have addressed this by now, so I'd like to hear.if anyone has had this conversation. Thanks!
You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?
LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.
Go premium for
Carlie Bullock-Jones
PrincipalEcoworks Studio
LEEDuser Expert
220 thumbs up
February 7, 2011 - 4:31 pm
Hi Margaret,
I have not worked on a courthouse or corrections facility, but if there are design requirements that require the exclusion windows (i.e. due to security purposes) then you should be able to provide a detailed narrative explanation with your submittal explaining this.
However, if you are early enough in the design phase to consider daylight in these areas (without compromising security) there are studies to consider that show how the introduction of daylight can improve the quality experience of a courtroom and corrections facility for all end users.
Margaret Montgomery
PrincipalNBBJ Architects
42 thumbs up
February 7, 2011 - 5:03 pm
Thanks, Carlie.
I know we can make the case for the holding rooms, etc., and I will do that for the courtrooms as well. I wasn't involved early enough to have weighed in, but we've done courtrooms with access to light that definitely benefit all users. That said, those didn't have views either, for good reason. I think the concern for snipers or other party-crashers is probably strong enough to make the case for view restriction.