'General Felipe Ángeles' Fire Station

Tultitlán, Mexico

Category Civic and Public Safety | Public Space
Job type Direct Commission
Date 2020 - 2022
Size 918,44 m²
Client Secretaría de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano - SEDATU
Collaborators ORU I Departamento del Distrito I Ricardo García Santander
Status Built
Photos Adriana Hamui - Bé Estudio - SEDATU

Tultitlán: An Industrial Hub with a Community Focus

Tultitlán is a municipality located in the northeastern region of the State of Mexico, bordering the northern edge of Mexico City. Renowned for its industrial character, the area hosts numerous warehouses and industrial facilities that play a vital role in the local economy. Its close proximity to Mexico City and integration into the metropolitan area position Tultitlán as a key urban center, where industrial growth is thoughtfully balanced with cultural and community-driven initiatives.

Building Community Through Public Space

In 2019, the Mexican federal government, through the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU), launched the Urban Improvement Program (PMU) to enhance public spaces across the country. The program focuses on building social infrastructure that promotes community interaction, meets local needs, and encourages the use of public spaces. 'General Felipe Ángeles' Fire Station is one such project, reflecting the program goals of fostering community engagement and accessibility.

A Room for Civic Service and Community

The project goes beyond its operational function to become a community gathering place. Framed by a steel frame portico and an elevated metal mesh, the station defines an open and accessible public space that invites the community to come together and take ownership of the site, strengthening the social fabric in a peripheral urban environment.

A design that brings together the public realm and civic duty

The project is organized around a garden and a public-access plaza, which serve as a safe threshold between the community and the station. These open spaces not only create a direct connection with the building but also promote social integration.

From this meeting point, an “L”-shaped volume distributes the operational and residential functions of the station, incorporating a double-height garage, dormitories, administrative offices, and a small medical center. With a clear and functional layout, the design achieves a balance between operational efficiency and public openness, maintaining an ordered and easily readable layout.

An Elevated Space That Strengthens Community Bonds

Located on the upper level of the building, the multi-court extends the project's impact beyond its operational function. Accessed through the fire training tower, it reinforces the connection between the station’s functional program and its openness to the surroundings, making it a key landmark. Additionally, it promotes social integration by providing a safe and accessible space for sports.