Academy of Architecture for Justice

By Erin Persky, Assoc. AIA

In the previous article of this series, I provided a snapshot of preparation and on-site recommendations for successfully completing the Courthouse Staff and Visitor Surveys. Over the past few months, I've received several emails from individuals interested in using the Toolkit (thank you! I'm so glad you're interested!) inquiring about findings – "what do the findings look like?" "do you have examples of results?" In this article I provide examples of findings from the POE pilot report for each survey. (Identifiable information has been changed or removed to protect the identity of the courthouse at which the POE pilot was conducted.)

Building Conditions Survey – Examples of Findings

Overall

The Building Conditions Survey consists of 121 items and the courthouse scored well across all site and building areas, with over 90% of features reported as "very good" and the remainder as "good." This courthouse was relatively new at the time at the POE pilot. Subsequent building evaluations as the building ages would be useful for determining long-term performance of building systems and materials.

Site Security

CCTV cameras were evaluated via interview of the Facilities Manager and observation of the security camera footage in the control room. Assessment showed that cameras perform effectively, and coverage is adequate for the site.

Masonry retaining walls on the site are in very good condition.

Steel bollards in various locations along the site require occasional buffing to remove corrosion. A hardscape perimeter supporting site security is aesthetically pleasing and supports site and building protection.

One issue faced by the facilities staff is paraphernalia hidden within site landscaping. Staff conduct daily sweeps of the site to remove contraband.

Building – Finishes

Across all areas of the building evaluated, very little wear and tear was identified at walls and ceilings. These areas include the wood paneling in the courtrooms, drywall in the public and staff areas, and all materials in the public lobby. (Materials in Central Holding are discussed in that section.)

It was noted that installation of corner guards in the service corridors is desired as it would assist in mitigating any damage that might be done to the walls by carts and equipment. During the building tour the service corridor walls were reported as showing little wear.

Hairline cracks in the terrazzo flooring in several areas of the building were noted. Most cracks have occurred at the lower levels of the courthouse. As of the POE, no excessive maintenance has been required. With the exception of the hairline cracks, the flooring is in very good condition.

The facilities manager explained that management and staff involvement in the programming and design processes afforded the opportunity to make simple changes that have proven to be significant in increasing courthouse operational and maintenance effectiveness. The facilities manager also affirmed that the vast majority of the courthouse requires little maintenance. In his words, "At this point it is difficult to assess if little or any 'wear and tear' is noticed on the building elements. This is a very impressive, solid building. The architecture elements inside and outside are very well done."

Courthouse Staff Survey – Example of Results

Workspace Satisfaction – Satisfaction with Workspace View to the Outdoors

This survey item asked for those with window access to report their satisfaction with their view to the outdoors. As such, analysis was restricted to those with a window out of which they can see from their workspace.

Sixty-seven percent of occupants with window access indicated satisfaction with the view to the outdoors from their workspace. Fourteen percent disagree, and 16% are neutral.

Workspace Satisfaction – Window/View Access

A cross-tabulation analysis was done to compare workspace window access with general workspace satisfaction. Those with windows and views to the outdoors reported 90% satisfaction with their workspaces and 10% dissatisfaction. Participants with a window some distance away reported 0% dissatisfaction, but had higher levels of neutrality, at 57%. Forty-three percent of these individuals were satisfied with their workspaces.

Those with windows without views indicated 75% satisfaction and 25% dissatisfaction and those without windows reported 65% satisfaction, 20% dissatisfaction, and 17% neutrality.

While these comparisons do not indicate causality, they may be useful when considering the impact of all assessed workspace features on general workspace satisfaction.

Courthouse Visitor Survey – Example of Results

Satisfaction with Directories, Maps, and Signage

Elevator Usage and Usefulness of Signage

Most individuals agreed with the statement, "Directories, maps, and signage helped me find what I needed." This item received a higher neutral response than typical, with 26% of respondents reporting neutrality. A cross-tabulation analysis was conducted to compare results of "satisfaction with directories, maps, and signage" to elevator usage. The figure immediately above shows higher levels of satisfaction by those who used the elevators over those who did not (76% and 51%, respectively). Those who used the elevators also showed lower neutrality and lower dissatisfaction than those who did not. These results indicate that existing signage is useful in assisting visitors with locating the elevators.

There are two more articles left in this series, so stay tuned for more insights into POE Toolkit insights and teasers. And, of course, much more information will be available in the Toolkit – on track for publication this summer.

(Have you visited the AAJ's Justice Facilities Review database? If not, you can do so here.)

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Erin Persky is a justice facility planner based in San Diego, California. Questions can be directed to Erin Persky at erinpersky@gmail.com.

(Return to the cover of this 2018 AAJ Journal issue)