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SC DJJ Prototype Dormitories

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice

Completion Date
Dorms 1 & 2 in Fall 2008; Dorms 3 & 4 in Fall 2009

Project Budget
$4.2 million for two dorms

A focus on new rehabilitative initiatives inspired the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice to embark on a design effort for new prototypical dormitories to replace outdated housing at DJJ's main campus in Columbia. The eleven new 13,000 square foot facilities will be built over the next ten years to meet the population needs of the agency for the foreseeable future. The dormitory's design reflects a focus on community and rehabilitation by housing the population in clusters of ten persons in daylight filled sleeping units with adjacent group activity and therapy space. The new dormitories also reflect an emphasis on safety and security by providing classroom and office space in each unit to limit the amount of transportation required while connecting residents and staff. Each dormitory's parti centers on an enclosed exterior courtyard providing outdoor activity space and enhanced daylighting.

Showcase Project

SCVRD Lyman Center

As the first new Center to be built for the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department in over twenty years, the Lyman Center reflects the current mission and philosophy of the Department, providing counseling, rehabilitation, and work production services. The new 35,000sf structure, to be constructed in two phases, is subdivided into three major program components: an area office, a 10,000sf production/training floor, and a special services unit for occupational and physical therapy. Designed for an organization that values its relationships within the business community, the facility appeals to corporate and technological aesthetics while also blending with its organic, wooded site on the Middle Tyger River.

Northeast Engineering / Science Classroom Facility Construction

This 68,000 sq. ft. classroom building addition at the Northeast Technology Campus will become the new home of the Engineering and Science departments of the College. The program features teaching labs and classrooms focusing on clean energy technology, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, supporting the mission of the College’s regional research partners. The design features strategies to provide student centered “casual” spaces that encourage social interaction and collaboration. The facility will showcase flexible spaces and planning strategies to respond to changes in mission and technology.

School Designs Change with the Times

If back-to-school brings visions of the proverbial little red schoolhouse, better think again. Today’s schools are more a combination of brain research, educational advancements, sustainability and technology, bringing new challenges for school architects and designers. This amphitheater was built into the design of the Center for Knowledge as another area of learning. (Photo/Courtesty Quackenbush Architects & Planners) “It’s really like the chicken and the egg,” said architect Doug Quackenbush, as educators and architects collaborate on designing new schools using resources and ideas from both fields. “We give school districts good advice on a fully performing 21st century school while they inform us of new teaching techniques and educational trends.”