Addressing the sloping topography found on the shoreline surrounding our site is the main concept behind the new Brooklyn fire station design proposal. To achieve this, I created a sloping roof intended to cover the fire station by studying the principles of the Geodesic dome by Buckminster Fuller. Its complex structure is composed by a series of triangles coming together creating an arch-like roof gently touching the ground.

The sloping roof rests on top of the Apparatus bay, public spaces, and living/shared spaces. This new move eliminated most of the columns the Apparatus bay was housing and ties together the programs within creating expansive openness. However, the grid-shell roof is not covering the residential area, but its geometry replicates the triangular shapes found on the roof. This creates a non-physical connection with the roof. Moreover, by not having the residential areas within the roof structure, allow its habitants to enjoy the marvelous views of NYC from their bedrooms.

While this unique roof structure eliminates the many of the columns a buildings of this size would need to have, I still created five tree-like columns that will delicately touch the roof providing extra support and security. A 3ft in diameter column base and 6 – 1ft in diameter branches that will meet with the roof structure compose the columns. The columns are throughout the firehouse, having 3 on the apparatus bay, and 2 on the living/public spaces.

By having a peculiar feature such as the roof, the fire station creates an unusual experience from passer-by and those inhabiting the building as well, pushing them to explore the building from inside out.

Photo & Architecture by WilkinsonEyre Architects