Creating the perfect prison layout in Prison Architect involves balancing security, efficiency, and inmate satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for ways to make your prison more comfortable, maximize space, or optimize security, these top five cell designs will help you build a better facility.

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1. Comfort-Oriented Single Cell

This design focuses on making prisoners happier while reducing the likelihood of conflicts. If you don’t mind your inmates having a bit more comfort, this setup is great for improving their mood and overall behavior.

Features:

• Basic needs covered: Bed, toilet, and a personal phone
• Built-in shower: Eliminates the need for a designated shower room
• Extra comfort: A window for relaxation

Pros:

• Reduces stress and conflicts
• No need for separate common rooms or shower facilities

Cons:

• Takes up more space compared to standard cells
• Houses fewer inmates per square foot

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2. Compact Efficiency Cell

For those looking to maximize efficiency, this design covers all the essentials while saving space. It’s a smaller variation of the comfort-oriented cell but still provides necessary facilities.

Features:

• Small footprint
• Includes shower and toilet
• Phone and book for additional needs

Pros:

• Saves space while maintaining prisoner needs
• No need for extra common areas

Cons:

• Not as comfortable as other designs
• Can still cause some minor frustrations over time

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3. Dormitory-Style Cell

This dormitory setup is ideal for managing large numbers of inmates efficiently while maintaining some quality-of-life elements.

Features:

• Houses up to 12 prisoners
• Central shower and toilet areas
• Shared phone and benches for social needs

Pros:

• High capacity per square foot
• Saves money on infrastructure
• Great for minimum-security prisoners

Cons:

• Less privacy, potentially leading to conflicts
• Requires more security presence

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4. Self-Sufficient Cell Block

If you want to divide inmates into different security levels or provide special accommodations for high-risk prisoners, this design is perfect.

Features:

• Six individual cells per block
• Shared showers and yard within the block
• Easily expandable with cloning tool

Pros:

• Limits interactions between different inmate groups
• Ideal for protective custody or high-risk inmates
• Can be expanded as needed

Cons:

• Requires more guards for monitoring
• Takes up more space than dorm-style layouts

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5. Luxury Solitary Confinement Cell

Unlike the traditional small and uncomfortable solitary cell, this design aims to calm aggressive inmates instead of making them more hostile.

Features:

• Comfortable solitary cell with bed, toilet, and phone
• Small shower inside the cell
• Ensures inmates’ basic needs are met while keeping them isolated

Pros:

• Reduces the chance of repeat violence post-solitary
• Keeps extremely dangerous inmates under control
• Improves overall prison stability

Cons:

• More expensive than standard solitary cells
• Risk of inmates preferring solitary over general population

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Final Thoughts

Depending on the type of prison you want to run, each of these cell designs can be adapted to suit your needs. Whether you focus on inmate comfort, security, or efficiency, these layouts provide a strong foundation for managing your facility effectively.

Which of these designs do you prefer? Let us know your thoughts!