Design Concept

Defined by a set of constraints while having unique programmatical requirements, this fire station must provide for and engage with the city. The approach is a concentrated analysis on the theme of Focus and Flight -- of emergency vehicles, workers, and the public alike-- inspired by post-Miesian urban and architectural morphologies. The goal is a 'framey mass or massy frames' in

which the upper floors are depicted as inhabited, thickened roof-scapes that are delicately tethered to the ground

This project utilizes the idea of the loop and a single band as circulation acting as a kind of urban roundabout which allows access to all the fire engines all at once from a single point and oriented in three different directions. It employs a radial grid to determine programmatical needs as well as different levels of hybridized circulation above. The rest of the quarter is committed to the design of the envelope and the various possibilites the roof structure may touch the ground. In addition to circulation analysis and sectional studies in 2D, a relief, chunk and full building model were built to express the unique qualities of the folding roof.  The new FS 27 will feature a theater seating to provide visitors a glimpse of a typical work day for the Los Angeles firefighters. ​​​​