It would seem that what could be unusual in fire stations is a boring government building with a garage for cars and rooms for the firefighters themselves. But this is with us, but the rest of the world clearly does not think so. I could not have imagined that there are so many different fire stations in the world until I saw all these photos. Seven of the most beautiful of them will be presented below.
1. Fire station Virta, Germany
Architect: zaha hadid
Built: 1993
Current status: Inactive
This station was built for the sole purpose of protecting the furniture factory Virta from fire. Of course, there were many other fire stations in the area, since the Rhine is close, so soon the factory managers realized their mistake and converted this wonderful structure into a museum, which now displays a collection of chairs from Virta.
2. Fire station Cologne, Germany
Architect: bfm architekten
Built: 2005
Current status: Active
Colon firefighters live in this small red house. It is just part of a large complex, with training buildings and a fire station management department. It is very similar to the Olympic stadium under construction in Beijing, except that it is smaller and redder.
3. Fire station ave fenix, Mexico
Architect: at 103 architects
Built: 2006
Current status: Active
Located in Mexico City, this amazing station has everything a normal fire station should have, plus a dedicated library for firefighters, a recruiting department and many private and public spaces. The station amazes with the fact that its leading edge is raised above the ground, and inside there are many intriguing forms and open space.
4. Hill Street Fire Station, Singapore
Architect: municipal council of singapore
Built: 1908
Current status: Active
This building was built in 1908 for 64 thousand dollars, it is the oldest of all fire stations in Singapore. Its opening marked the end of horse-drawn fire engines. Constructed with classical arches and columns, the building has recently undergone restoration and is doing an excellent job to this day.
5. Fire station in Berlin, Germany
Architect: sauerbruch hutton
Built: 2004
Current status: Active
This building was designed by Hutton Architects in 2002 and won the Riba Award in 2004. The station is home to police and fire trucks, special equipment, and administrative offices. Red and green planks on the facade of the building indicate which services are located inside the building. The red ones are for the firemen and the green ones are for the police.
6. Parque de bombas, Puerto Rico
Architect: maximo meana
Built: 1882
Current status: Inactive
Originally built in 1882, the building was used as a trade pavilion, but soon a fire brigade moved there and protected the city from fire until 1990. The structure is predominantly made of wood and is now very popular with tourists as it houses a firefighters museum. The photos below show what the building was like in the 50s. I must say that since then it has not changed a bit.
7. Fire station Houten, Holland
Architect: samyn and partners
Built: 2000
Current status: Active
The semi-oval shell roof was “the result of a search for an elegant shape,” the designers said. The wall behind the open half is covered with children's drawings by children from all 22 nearby schools. According to the designers, this will help protect the station from child vandalism.