The City Aerial Ladder

This is a fire station construction in Hualien City, Taiwan. Since Hualien is a well-known tourist city in Eastern Taiwan, the architectural form of the aerial ladder fire truck was resourcefully created to stand in the landscape park. The designer has brilliantly combined the exterior of the building with the surrounding environment to attract visitors and tourists. On top of that, the designer’s technique of connecting the architecture with nature is so well executed and successful that it turns this disaster relief center into an iconic landmark. As for the exterior of the building, the designer borrows elements from the fire department. To elaborate, the steel training facilities on the roof are similar to the aerial ladder of the fire. Besides, the color red, gray, and white is combined to shape the aerial ladder fire truck's appearance gradually. Moreover, various training venues, classrooms, preparedness spaces, and outdoor green spaces are integrated to create a relationship between people, land, and activities, reflecting the inseparable connection between firefighting missions and disaster relief duties. The designer cleverly uses the gradual change of the square hinterland from the east to the west to respond to the trapezoidal and narrow base of the project. Accordingly, it provides an excellent driving view, space for large vehicles to turn around, and a perfect place for daily training and preparation. To deploy troops in advance of emergencies, a very deep observation well is reserved as a backup water supply to ensure the effectiveness of disaster relief and the safety of the people. Considering the scarcity of water resources in the area, a rainwater recycling system is planned in the space formed by the draft foundation structure, and the water treated by the reclaimed water system is used as a water source for watering plants or daily use in the halls.