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 and tall, modern glass residential buildings. 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 heavily influenced by sustainable building techniques such as rainwater collection, natural ventilation, green roof temperature regulation, solar panels, and so many more. The footprint of the fire station has been kept as small as possible. The different ceiling heights within the program create a series of levels, creating an interesting relationship of inhabitable roofs. There will be a pathway through the first level for the public. This pathway 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. It also frames the beautiful view across the East River of the Manhattan skyline.

Photo Cred: Barry Halkin