Prison Architect Padded Cells [top] Today

In Prison Architect , padded cells are a specialized housing requirement for the Criminally Insane security level, introduced in the Psych Ward DLC. These inmates cannot be housed in standard cells; failing to provide padded accommodations will cause them to be transferred to another facility, resulting in a loss of potential revenue. Building Requirements

To create a padded cell, you must designate a room area specifically as a Padded Cell from the Rooms menu.

Minimum Size: 2x3 squares (unless "Small Cells" is researched by the Lawyer to remove size limits).

Enclosure: Must be indoors and fully enclosed by walls and a door. Mandatory Objects: One bed and one toilet. prison architect padded cells

Visuals: Wall padding is automatically added once the room is zoned as "Padded". Types of Padded Rooms

Different variations exist to handle various needs for insane inmates: Padded Cell: The standard individual housing unit.

Padded Holding Cell: A shared living space for multiple insane inmates who don't yet have an assigned individual cell. In Prison Architect , padded cells are a

Padded Solitary: Required for punishing insane inmates who break rules; they cannot be sent to standard solitary. Benefits and Safety Criminally Insane - Prison Architect Wiki

Problem 4: "The cells are too expensive."

Cost Breakdown:

  • Anti-Suicide Locker: $500
  • Padded Door: $300
  • Foundation & Toilet: ~$200
  • Cost per cell: ~$1000

Solution: Start with 2-4 cells. You don't need a 20-man psych ward unless you have a massive prison (500+ inmates). Build slowly as your grant money allows. Problem 4: "The cells are too expensive

6. Comparison with Other Holding Areas

| Feature | Padded Cell | Solitary Cell | Normal Cell | Psych Ward (room) | |---------|-------------|---------------|-------------|-------------------| | Restores sanity | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No (only diagnosis) | | Reduces reoffending | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (punishment) | ❌ No | ❌ No | | Requires padded floor | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | | Staff needed | Orderlies | Guards | Guards | Psychiatrist |

The Construction Checklist

  1. Clear the Area: Select a location away from main traffic, but not too far from Reception.
  2. Build Walls: Click and drag to create individual rooms. Do not build a "Dormitory" for insane prisoners. They will kill each other.
  3. Add the Locker: Place one Anti-Suicide Locker per cell.
  4. Add the Door: Install the Padded Door.
  5. Zone the Room: Use the Rooms tool, select "Padded Cell," and drag over the area.
  6. Add a Toilet: Yes, they still need to go to the bathroom. Install a standard toilet in the corner. Warning: Do not install a shower head in a padded cell—water plus insanity equals disaster.
  7. Optional CCTV: To monitor violent episodes, install a CCTV camera pointed at the door.

Problem 3: "The prisoner destroyed the padded door!"

Cause: Insane prisoners can eventually break anything if their "Danger" reaches maximum. Fix: Station an Ordered Guard directly outside the door. When the prisoner starts breaking the door, the guard will shock them, knocking them unconscious. Then a doctor can heal them, and the cycle resets.

Alternatives & Complementary Measures

  • Psychiatric ward / infirmary with specialized staff.
  • Increased in-cell welfare features (if game/mod allows) or supervised therapeutic activities.
  • Behavioural interventions: counselling, medication, increased association time under supervision.
  • Use of non-padded segregation with frequent checks when padded cells are unavailable.

5.2 Staffing

  • At least 2 Orderlies per 5 padded cells. Orderlies can “escort to padded cell” without calling for armed guards.
  • 1 Psychiatrist per 50 prisoners to keep diagnosis times low.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros:
    • Significantly reduces immediate self-harm risk.
    • Protects staff and other inmates from violent incidents originating from the cell.
    • Useful emergency option in shortage of psychiatric beds.
  • Cons:
    • Negative psychological/morale impact if used long-term.
    • Resource and staffing overhead for monitoring and review.
    • Potential legal/ethical issues if used improperly or for punishment.

5. Strategic Design & Best Practices

Register Lost your password?