A cost-effective approach to criminal justice architecture has been proposed, and a prototype facility is currently under construction in Niagara County, New York. The approach is based on a site-adaptable, predesigned housing unit that addresses three of the most critical factors in contemporary correctional facility design projects: (1) need for design flexibility to meet site requirements and unforeseeable changes in inmate populations; (2) influence of design on operational efficiency and costs; and (3) reliability of cost estimates in an era of limited budgets. The prototype housing unit is designed expressly for direct supervision, which many correctional experts believe will be the norm within 10 to 15 years. The basic unit consists of four right-angle triangular pods radiating from a central unit management core. In Niagara County, each pod contains 56 precast concrete cells, divided evenly on two levels and arrayed along the sides and hypotenuse of the pod. Day space is divided into a platform, level with the entrance and used for dining, and a lower recreation area. A dedicated outdoor recreation area is adjacent to each pod and accessible from the day space platform. Features and benefits of the prototype design are described, particularly with regard to site adaptation, internal flexibility for future change, compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, operational efficiency, scheduling, and costs. 2 figures