Marion Fire Station No. 1

Situated in the northern part of rapidly growing Marion, Iowa, this new 21,200-square-foot fire station relies on biophilic design principles to support firefighters’ physical and mental wellness. The station is the third such facility for Marion but the first to be built since 1991 when the city was less than half its current size. As Station No. 1 became a top priority, Marion’s development director presented the concept of biophilic design to the city council and other leadership teams. Those concepts resonated deeply with Marion’s fire chief, who hoped the station would set a new benchmark for how design can reduce post-traumatic stress disorder in firefighters. The team anchored the station’s plan and massing in a two-story apparatus bay. Full-height glass doors on its north and south elevations help maximize daylight and emphasize a new connection with the community. Extending to the east, shou sugi ban wood, charred using controlled fire, wraps the station’s living and office spaces, providing a texture that contrasts with the smooth panes of glass. Interior spaces are complemented by two ipe wood terraces sheltered by a roof and wall trellis, while a green roof surrounds all living spaces and sleeping rooms. Mediating a tree grove and history wall, the station’s lobby was stretched to provide first-level circulation. A welcoming, light-filled space, the lobby provides direct views into the apparatus bay and showcases the department’s rich history. Living areas, wrapped with full-height glazing and exposed wood ceilings, include a full kitchen, family-style table, and a gaming area to ensure the firefighters have ample space to rest and recharge. Circadian rhythm-based lighting synchronizes the occupants’ sleep-wake cycle, and escalating alarms reduce the physiological and psychological stress upon waking. The implementation of these biophilic principles is having a profound effect on the fire fighters wellbeing, including stress reduction and increased awareness and cognitive ability. The addition of the features such as escalating alarms and circadian rhythm-based lighting further promote mental and physical wellbeing. Specifically, the exterior skin is shou sugi ban wood accented with cedar and ipe wood decks and exposed structural wood decking inside fosters a connection to nature, which is the foundation of biophilic design.