The design intent was largely based on the history of the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) and its evolution from small town volunteer stations to the larger career fire stations of today. The organizational strategy developed for the multi service facility was inspired by the CFD’s community services that go beyond the typical life safety services. The multi service facility reflects this by knitting itself into the site and community. The massing and form of the building evolved out of the functional need of the program within and the CFD’s symbolic iconic identity. Through its iconic image the building represents a sense of security within the community and acts as a beacon of safety to its surroundings. Similarly, the material palette is inspired by the historical and iconic image of the Calgary Fire Department’s past stations.
The Seton Multi Services Facility features a full functioning, three apparatus bays (one of which includes a rear access) fire station. Full programmed live/work spaces to accommodate the CFD’s day to day needs that include nine dorm rooms, an alarm room, a training room, kitchen, offices and a blood pressure / cholesterol room for the public. The CFD space also incorporates the most iconic piece; the hose tower at 65 feet tall will be visible throughout the Seton community. Also provided are shared spaces such as a fitness center and change/locker rooms that will serve the building users. A large public corridor set in the middle of the building unite the north and south portion of the site and act as a continuation of the public realm. Off of this public corridor there is a multi-use room that will be shared amongst its users and in some cases the community. A civic plaza that assembles the long north facade and acts as a public piece to welcome the community into the site.