Vitra Fire Station

Following a major fire in 1981, the company Vitra has pursued a conscious approach to its own architecture, starting with the commission awarded to the English architect Nicholas Grimshaw to build a new factory hall. After completion of the first structure, he was assigned the task of developing a master plan for the Vitra grounds. Now Vitra commissions a different architect for each building project, deliberately contrasting works of architecture confront one another and imbue the site with vitality and a distinctive identity. The Fire Station is one of the highlights of the tour. Long an icon of deconstructivist architecture, this was the first work ever to be realized by the master architect who is today entrusted with prestigious global commissions. Constructed as a working firehouse within the Vitra furniture design and manufacturing complex, the building is now used by Vitra as a showplace for part of its permanent collection of chairs.