Greenpoint EMS Station: Innovative Design for FDNY in Williamsburg

Brooklyn, NY, USA

Project's Summary

The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction have recently announced the completion of the Greenpoint Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Station in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This impressive two-story facility, spanning over 12,400 square feet, has been specifically designed to support FDNY ambulance crews and vehicles, and its unique form stands out prominently in the rapidly developing neighborhood.

To meet the station's requirements, the architects at Michielli + Wyetzner Architects divided the facility into four distinct parts. One side of the building is taller than the other to accommodate the space needed for housing vehicles, effectively organizing the various functions of the station. On the ground floor's east side, you will find spaces dedicated to four vehicles and a support zone. The lower west bay houses administrative spaces, including the lieutenant's and captain's offices.

Moving to the second floor, above the vehicle bay, you'll discover locker rooms and bathrooms for the station's staff, who work in three shifts. Adjacent to this area, on the western side of the building, is a fitness facility, a training room, and a combined kitchen and lounge area spanning 700 square feet. The first floor's varied ceiling heights create different levels at the second floor, and this shift is also reflected in the roof line. To mark this division and change in levels, a skylight runs from the front to the back of the building, filling the space with natural light and connecting to a double-height glass-enclosed entry.

The exterior design of the Greenpoint EMS Station is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The cool, glass façade is interrupted by bright red, roll-up doors, adding a pop of color to the structure. A transparent exit stair with perforated aluminum panels runs parallel to the street, serving as a diagonal sculptural break while connecting the entrance and second floor. The second-story translucent glass wall, spanning an impressive 90 feet, appears to float above the ground and contributes significantly to the building's strong identity. In the evening, when illuminated, the Greenpoint EMS Station becomes a distinct presence in the Williamsburg community.

In summary, the completion of the Greenpoint EMS Station marks an important milestone for the FDNY and the NYC Department of Design and Construction. The new facility, designed by Michielli + Wyetzner Architects, provides an efficient and visually striking space for FDNY ambulance crews and vehicles. With its unique form, use of natural light, and vibrant exterior features, the Greenpoint EMS Station has become a notable addition to the Williamsburg neighborhood, serving as a symbol of safety and emergency care for the community it serves.

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