The Engine Company 212’s new firehouse is located within Brooklyn, New York, specifically located in the Greenpoint neighborhood. This site is a beautiful contrast of so many different worlds. The surrounding buildings are majority industrial with a history behind them. We are located on the North side of the Bushwick inlet. The city of New York has a park planned on the South side of the inlet extending to the North side, beside our site. Our site also looks across the river to the East to the Manhattan skyline.

My design is based upon the NYC park plan and appreciating each of these extremely different vibes, but also very heavily influenced by sustainable building techniques such as rainwater collection, natural ventilation, green roof temperature regulation, solar panels, and so many more. The design is also incorporates a courtyard, open towards the park to invite the public in to the firehouse, because community is so important to the firefighters. There will be pathways through the first level for the public. These pathways will allow for the public to interact with the interior of the apparatus bay and the Monitor Museum to pull in viewers, but with no need to go inside if time does not allow.

Photo: ZEB Pilot House – Snøhetta