FIREFIGHTERS’ ARC
Commissioned by the City of Philadelphia Percent for Art Program and the Philadelphia Fire Department
Engine 37, an historic firehouse built in the 1890’s and located in Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, received a restoration and new building designed by Cecil Baker + Partners to house contemporary firetrucks. As the ‘bench’ is an integral fixture of firehouses, the public art component reflects this functional element by becoming a gathering place inspired by the firehouse’s architecture and the firefighters’ daily practices. The facade’s stone arches are mirrored onto the ground in layers of stone, becoming an expansive shape of welcome. Folded fire hoses are characterized in hand forged steel to form the integral backrest. This sculptural seating is constructed with dolomitic limestone from Valders, Wisconsin, Mesabi black granite from Minnesota and forged stainless steel.