RMKM Architect Don May has been heavily involved in the evolutionary process of prototypical fire station design for almost 30 years, working with both the City of Albuquerque and the County of Bernalillo. AFD Stations 5 & 21 are examples of the sixth iteration of prototype design and are influenced by their precursors, Bernalillo County Fire & Rescue Stations 2 and 8. Though the prototype has evolved over 30 years, the fundamental goals remain the same – efficiency, functionality and community presence.

A double-loaded corridor provides easy access to all zones of operation in both stations, while transparent lobbies and front porches provide a welcoming appearance to the surrounding communities. Striking features such as butterfly roofs and clerestory glazing allow the stations to be easily recognizable to the community as landmarks and images of community strength, stability and pride. Like those completed for the County of Bernalillo, the architectural design is the result of an intent to articulate the building in a clear and visible structure that is well matched to the facilities’ function and the nature of the materials, all the while melding with the varied surroundings and context of the Albuquerque area.

Recognition and landmark status are key visual objectives for these important community facilities and as such are outwardly similar in appearance. However, situated in dramatically different settings, the facility and site designs had to be refined respectively to more closely respond to the varied site characteristics, contextual differences, relevant security issues and the specific social / cultural / community goals.