- Title:
-
Innovative Fire Station Design: Meeting future challenges
- Date:
- September 2009
- Organisations
- MFS
- Authors:
- CFA, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- MFS, VIC, Australia
- Location:
- South Australia, Australia
Overview
The design and construction of modern urban and regional fire stations which meets the sometimes conflicting needs of society is required to be undertaken in light of an increasing number of challenges.Some of these challenges, such as funding for new fire stations and strategically locating the facility in a position that best addresses response issues have probably been with us since we began building fire stations; however a number of emerging issues are beginning to have an increasing influence on the way we plan and build our fire stations.
Issues include climate change, occupational health and safety, increasing training demands and community expectations. Other significant challenges include adapting to changes in technology and equipment, whilst maintaining efficient and effective workflows.
Contemporary fire station designs and processes have considered the core needs of an operational fire station that is “fit for purpose” whilst incorporating environmentally sustainable design features and value for money. These “state of the art” buildings have exceeded State Government targets for reductions in carbon emissions and water sustainability whilst providing facilities which are aesthetically pleasing and complementary to their local built environment.
The paper will discuss approaches to design to ensure ‘fit for purpose' facilities that continue to meet stakeholder and community expectations. It will also explore findings of recent benchmarking (Australia and North America), and outline new innovations and future challenges.
