Iowa fire station embraces biophilia to reduce PTSD in firefighters

by arslan_ahmed | April 25, 2023 11:18 am

A fire station in Marion, Iowa, has been designed using a sustainability consultant’s 14 biophilic principles to reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in firefighters.

According to the architect, OPN Architects, the design stayed loyal to the principles of biophilic design as outlined in the white paper, 14 Patterns of Biophilia, published by the consultant, Terrapin Bright Green. The motivation was for the firefighters to calm down after coming back to the station from a stressful operation.

The 1,970-m2 (21,200-sf) building’s plan and massing are centered around a two-story apparatus bay, with full-height glass doors on both the north and south elevations, allowing for ample daylight and a connection to the surrounding community. Shou sugi ban wood, charred using controlled fire, wraps around the living and office spaces to add depth, texture, and contrast with the smooth glass plane. Two Ipe wood terraces, sheltered by a roof and wall trellis, compliment the interior spaces, while a green roof surrounds all living and sleeping areas.

The lobby serves as the primary first level circulation, mediating between a tree grove and a history wall, displaying the fire department’s rich history and tradition. The strategic sequencing of spaces includes a decontamination clean room between the bays and office/living areas to mitigate exposure to fire and ash carcinogens. On the opposite side of the bays, the hose-drying tower doubles as a training area for simulated rescues. Training opportunities continue outside, where the retention pond serves as a site for ice rescue training.

The living areas, wrapped in full-height glazing with exposed wood ceilings, feature a full kitchen, a large family-style table, and a TV and gaming area, providing firefighters with a variety of spaces to relax and recharge. Circadian lighting is used throughout to synchronize the firefighters’ wake-sleep cycle with natural light.

According to the architect, the design imbibes the 14 principles in the following ways:

The project has been a recipient of several awards and honors, including the 2023 impact award by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Iowa Chapter; 2022 AIA Central States Region honor award; 2022 International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Great Plains Chapter honorable mention, and 2021 AIA, Iowa Chapter, honor award.

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/iowa-fire-station-embraces-biophilia-to-reduce-ptsd-in-firefighters/