Anke Kratzsch
Duisburg-Ruhrort Harbour Fire Station. RWTH Aachen (Germany)
Concept:
The concept focuses on the functional character of the building. Yet, it meets all the fire station’s
representative requirements and provides high comfort for the temporary occupants.
The project follows the principles of minimum distances and maximum order, thus optimising the
building for alert situations. Different functions (rest, leisure, service, action) are stacked on different levels. The position of the fire station in the canal allows for quick vertical connection from each level to both fire engines and fireboats, using a fire-pole. In addition, the setting’s prominent significance is retained, thus
emphasizing the special quality of the harbour fire station.
Building – boathouse connection:
The connections between the stationary building and the floating boathouse adapt flexibly to changing
water levels; the fire-pole in its tube floats up in a whole, also acting as a water gauge. The
connection for non-emergency use was designed as a gangway which changes its inclination with
changing tide, linking the stationary building with the boathouse.
Construction:
The stationary building is formed as a steel construction. The helicopter platform was designed as a
three-dimensional framework. The dissolved arch-construction of the boathouse rests on two floats,
the horizontal forces are borne by an underwater arch. The movement of the boathouse is guided by
piles at its ending and by the pillars of the stationary building.
Conclusion:
The project is characterized by obvious functional efficiency and well-balanced proportion. Thus the
building gains an unobtrusive yet aesthetic quality without lacking distinctiveness.
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