Since our first Station Style Design Awards in 2001, we've noticed some interesting trends in fire stations. The top two are co-location, where multiple agencies occupy one facility, and sustainable design.

Co-location isn't necessarily a merger. For example, a number of fire departments separate EMS from fire, placing each in one half of a building. Fire department headquarters have begun to absorb central dispatch for a region, and some include emergency operation centers. In an interesting twist, the Chicago Fire Department is planning to co-locate one fire station with a neighborhood library. While cost distribution is a factor, Commissioner Ray Orozco Jr. says that combining a fire station with a library will be a great fire safety teaching tool and a way to attract kids to the library.

Design sustainability or energy efficiency is another area that has evolved in public buildings, including fire and emergency response facilities. The use of natural light, solar panels, water-recovery systems and durable building materials are frequently justified by the long-term savings.

Last May, FIRE CHIEF introduced the Station Style Design Conference to a sold-out crowd. At the end, we surveyed the attendees, presenters and vendors to find out how we could improve the conference to better meet their needs. We read everyone's comments and will implement many of their suggestions for our next Station Style Design Conference, to be held April 29–May 1 in Denver.

We were especially excited to hear from the four architects who developed last year's pre-conference program. Mary McGrath, Ratcliff Architects; Larry Enyart, LEA Architects; Brian Harris, TCA Inc.; and Dennis Ross, Pacheco Ross Architects, have decided to divide last year's pre-conference program into two concurrent, four-hour tracks. The first track is for departments that are just starting to design a facility, and the second is for those that have started the construction phase. The tracks, which are exclusively for emergency personnel and government representatives, will be limited in size to allow interaction with the architects and their staff.

Conference attendees who wanted earlier on-site registration have had their wish granted. Registration will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 29, and will open again at 7 a.m. on Monday, April 30. The conference hotel is the Hyatt Regency Tech Center, which is within walking distance of many food options and only light-rail ride away from downtown Denver.

Vendors' concerns were addressed, too. Exhibit tables will be placed within the general session room to facilitate more contact with attendees during breaks.

We didn't just listen to the suggestions for speakers and topics; we've incorporated them into the 2007 Station Style Design Conference. From the first pre-conference workshop on Grant Writing by Bill Booth of Strategic Business Partners to the tour of South Metro Fire Department's award-winning Station 34, we've designed a conference to support you and your department in creating the best facility for your community.

To learn more about the program and register for the 2007 Station Style Design Conference, visit our Web site. Attendees who register for the conference before March 1 can attend the pre-conference programs at no additional charge.

We look forward to seeing you in Denver in April!

Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director
janet@firechief.com