Northern Middlesex Regional Emergency Call Center

摘要

This hardened e911 regional emergency call center protects dispatch personnel and the systems they operate, allowing them to thrive in their jobs. Insulated Concrete Forms (iCFs) construction was chosen for its strength, cost effective speed and longevity. Stone and wood panels define the entrance, and metal panels comprise the remainder of the facades. The walls are ballistic resistant in all areas. Further, the building is situated away from the street to protect it from crash protection and allow future parking expansion. Natural light is brought into all spaces and each has a view to the exterior to provide stress relief for dispatchers as they take breaks from their day. Most buildings have one generator, here two redundant emergency backup generators protect the entire facility never allowing it to go offline. The expanded green site aligns with community sustainability goals using both rain gardens and bio-retention swales to manage storm water. Green space and trees were maintained and increased wherever possible. LEED Principles guided design of the site and building. The access road is shared with the Tewksbury Department of Public Works to manage town traffic and limit impervious surface. A 180 radio tower was installed to provide seamless communication from all surrounding communities. The floor plan is efficient, designed for both current safety and future expansion. Dispatch is in the building's center to provide a redundant level of security. A person must enter through a secure building entrance, and then pass through an additional secure entrance to reach dispatch. Generous windows are placed high on the wall to allow daylight and views, yet not allow lines of sight to dispatchers. Other accommodations include a 40-person training room planned to be used by dispatch, police, fire, EMS and others. Showers and locker rooms allow personnel to prepare for arrival and departure from work.