18th Fire Station
Gonzalo Mardones Viviani

Photo courtesy GMVThe concept of displacement and fluidity is reflected in the circulation, with stairs, ramps and emergency tubes, playing leading roles in the architectonic space.

Facing the hills and the Andes Mountains, the 18th Fire Station of Vitacura is located strategically between two main avenues, making it easy to reach different points in the city of Santiago.

The building, a white concrete box, is suspended within a floating crystal prism. The interior spaces, organized around the two-story fire truck area, are located on three levels of balconies, both visibly and circulation wise connected.


Photo courtesy GMV

Photo courtesy GMV

The open sleeping areas, separated by partition walls with dressing areas, have no doors so that the firemen can reach the station below quickly. Emergency steel tubes ascend directly to the truck area below. Red Alucobond element on the upper part of the facade shelters the bedrooms and projects the corporate image and identity of the fire station.


Photo courtesy GMV

Photo courtesy GMV

Photo courtesy GMV

Homes for the resident drivers and their families are located in the back, with additional walls to protect their privacy. The two story residences all have front yards, typical of the houses in the residential neighborhood.


Photo courtesy GMV

Because of the transparency of the facade, and a new restaurant, open to the public, the Fire Station has become instrumental in reviving the surrounding area.


Drawing courtesy GMV

Drawing courtesy GMV
First Floor Plan
Drawing courtesy GMV
Second Floor Plan
Drawing courtesy GMV
Third Floor Plan