Station Design Awards: 64 Examples of Progress and Community Pride

The 2023 Station Design Award judging was held last week. Earlier, 64 entries were sent to the six judges to review, and they were asked to bring their top three selections in each of the seven categories to the judging.

For over five hours, I listened as the judges discussed at great length each category’s finalists. A couple of awards were unanimously agreed on by the judges as “top tier in the category.” Other category finalists took more deliberation as the judges dissected the descriptions, photographs, floor and site plans.

Midway through the judges’ wrangling about bronze levels, it occurred to me we were looking at 64 fire stations and other public safety facilities that were the result of years, months and hours of research, financial obligations and hard work. Each building was specifically designed for a department and first responders to meet the needs of their community. Each entry was the pride of its community. How could we narrow down these category entries to “winners,” let alone levels?

We discussed this during a break in the judging. The original purpose of the Station Design Awards was to provide a showcase of new fire stations and training facilities from across the nation to magazine readers. The awards would highlight specific examples of innovation, trends or overcoming challenges.

Judges this year, all agreed the Gold level represented a “wow factor.” Considering the 2023 entries, judges discussed if a finalist exceeded and/or offered examples of the “best in category” to award Gold. Silver and Bronze levels were awarded as examples worthy of special recognition.

Pride and Progress

I know I say it every year, but the 2023 entries in the Station Design Awards were significantly different from previous years. I could see the results of recent research and education in each entry. We heard words from the judges like “aesthetics, functionality and innovation.” Safety, physical and mental health recommendations were evident in every entry. Decontamination areas were obvious in fire stations and transitional airlocks between bays and offices. Natural light was prominent in living areas and available in the majority of sleeping rooms. Quiet areas were available, and one station included two “stress-relief pods” (a type of recliner with a semi-enclosed top).

One judge agreed that “gender private” toilets (like this one seen in Dublin, Ireland) and shared single sinks were one way to address gender issues.

A lengthier discussion was on restrooms. On a recent trip to Dublin, I encountered “All Gender” restrooms in the airport. The “toilet stalls” had floor-to-ceiling walls and a door. A red/green light indicated occupancy. The sink ran the length of the opposite wall. Exiting from the private stall, men and women shared the sink space. One judge agreed that “gender private” toilets (previously called unisex?) and shared single sinks were one way to address gender issues.

The extreme height of some ceilings in apparatus bays was brought up. While the angles of the bay ceilings fit the aesthetics of the exterior designs, they don’t serve any other purpose unless a mezzanine or second floor is included.

We asked to what extent is an architect’s input considered on some aspects, particularly elevators. While an architect can make recommendations, it ultimately is the client’s decision. Architects can advise elevators are required by ADA, but there are situations where the local code may not require an elevator or the chief can refuse because of the installation cost of an elevator, especially if the second floor is strictly sleeping rooms for firefighters. It’s a factor unknown to the Station Design judges when reviewing floor plans.

Opinions

The Shared Facilities Category included 11 interesting facilities. One was a fire station and city hall. Another is a public safety wellness center for first responders. The Montana Public Safety Center offers a one-stop-shop city municipal campus including a comprehensive judicial center, police headquarters services, and fire station and administration wing. It was suggested this category, going forward, be titled “Joint Facilities” versus Shared Facilities to represent the multi-use on one site.

The judges also addressed the declining numbers of volunteers and applicants for career departments. “Would a firefighter want to work in this facility?” based on environment and cultural appeal.

“Lockers cannot be in the sleeping room,” said one judge. While few lockers were seen in the room, the noise factor was one reason to prohibit it. Three lockers in an anterior entrance to an individual sleeping room were praised by the judges. The incoming shift could access their locker, while behind the closed door, the on-duty firefighter still had privacy.

People have very strong opinions about open-day rooms versus separated living areas. “It depends on the culture of the department,” a judge said. “We’ve seen photos of rooms with recliners and large televisions with reduced lighting or no windows.”

It averages three years from start to finish for a new fire station or public safety facility. Every single station and facility entered in the 2023 Station Design Awards is an example of the increasing focus on firefighters’ health and safety. I believe there is something to learn from every page of the Firehouse Magazine’s Station Design Award showcase. There are metro departments, urban, suburban, rural and other public safety facilities. And, there are also a couple of unique stations to see. Watch for the November issue of Firehouse!