The design of my building is based off of Louis Kahn’s concept of servant versus served spaces. The building is designed to maximize functionality as a fire station without sacrificing the comfort of the occupants. The plan is based on a structural grid developed from square footage for storage areas interspersed between fire engine bays. Additionally, I used the grid to create skylights on the third floor and the roof to allow more natural light and ventilation for the apparatus bay. The building is also meant to be a transition point between the city and the public park on either side of the building. One side of the building conforms to the surrounding city streets while the space on the opposite of the building integrates into the park. I used the contour lines and the building lines to create an outdoor space that contains both park space and a constructed dune/wetland area for water filtration and to protect the park from potential flooding. Overall the building is meant to be a place of community for the fire fighters and surrounding community members.

Photo: Louis Kahn, Richards Medical Center