Abstract:
Throughout architecture there exist many buildings, many complexes housing dissimilar programmatic functions within one entity. Corporate manufacturing headquarters, warehouse and distribution facilities, highrise buildings, schools, and firehouses are examples. Of these combined facilities, individual functions within typically conjure up preconcieved images or details of form associated with that function from without. Educational facilities of most types typically share these preconcieved notions. Some facilities have a narrow range of functions, while others involve unique, hands-on conditions quite unlike anything found in a typical classroom setting.Such is the case in the educational hybrid known as the firefighting academy, which is essential for any large community to training its emergency personnel in firefighting, public health and safety; an academy which is a unique fusion of classroom and hands-on practice, reflecting advances in technology, industry, and everyday life which have made firefighting anything but simple.This thesis is a design experiment in how a multidimensional facility (here, a firefighting academy) can come together as one, yet carefully address, delineate, and reinforce its diversity of functions; a model that can successfully integrate the 'hands-on' and 'hands-off' classroom methods of educating those responsible for protecting our lives and property.This hypothetical project is based on the real, existing needs for the city of Indianapolis and the surrounding area. The site is located on the northwest side of Indianapolis, near Butler University and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.Design experimentation includes functional zoning/site planning, individual building design, interior and exterior design studies, through emphasis on form, function, grid, light, image and diversity within unity.
