Fire Industry Education Resource Organization (FIERO) Design Award Winner

South Bend Fire Station #9, located in Indiana, was recognized by the Fire Industry Education Resource Organization (FIERO) for its excellence in fire station design and construction, and placed first in its 2020 design awards program.

As an Honor (gold) award recipient, the jurors unanimously agreed Station 9 exemplified excellence in all aspects of fire station planning and design including site plan, floor plan, innovation and architectural image.

FIERO is dedicated to improving firefighter health and safety through education and research. The FIERO design awards program focuses on fire stations and related emergency facilities to encourage continued quality investments in special purpose, “civic pride” buildings. Six jurors, drawn from across the US, all have professional experience in both design practice and the fire service. This experience results in a rigorous review, insuring respected jury results.

FIERO Design Award Jury Comments

“A handsome facility that fits nicely as a transitional piece between the commercial and residential communities. The main station form and apparatus bay form have complementary architecture that has the effect of reducing the overall scale such that it doesn’t overwhelm the neighborhood. Excellent use of site landscape features to mitigate storm water runoff, and define station territory.”

“The compact efficient floor plan provides good access to the apparatus bays. Generous dorm space provides beds to each individual member of the station. The efficient commercial style kitchen is simple and maintainable.”