President Trump’s controversial borderwall campaign hit a new benchmark today. According to a press release published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP), construction of the eight wall prototypes began today in San Diego. Four will be made of concrete, and four will be made of “other materials,” or any material of the contractor’s choice other than concrete.

As ARCHITECT has written in past coverage, the prototype walls will each be between 18 and 30 feet in height and about 30 feet wide. Additionally, each prototype is expected to cost between $400,000 and $500,000. Their function is to deter illegal crossings across the U.S.–Mexico border.

"We are committed to securing our border and that includes constructing border walls," said Ronald Vitiello, acting deputy commissioner of the CPB, in the press release. "Our multi-pronged strategy to ensure the safety and security of the American people includes barriers, infrastructure, technology and people. Moving forward with the prototypes enables us to continue to incorporate all the tools necessary to secure our border."

The construction is expected to be completed within approximately 30 days of the Notice to Proceed. By the end of the construction period, the federal agency could either pick several winners, one winner, or no winners. According to the CBP press release, the projects “will inform future design standards which will likely continue to evolve to meet the U.S. Border Patrol’s requirements.”

Below is a video from CBP's Twitter account of the wall prototype construction underway in San Diego.