Northeast Indiana Regional Public Safety Academy

Northeast IndianaRegional Public Safety Academy

Fort Wayne, IndianaNew Construction

Project of DistinctionSchenkelShultz Architecture

2008 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

Northeast IndianaRegional Public Safety Academy

A National Model for Public Safety Education and Training

Public Lobby EntranceCommunity Environment:

The success of the Regional Public Safety Academy (RPSA) relies heavily on support and use by the community. Therefore, as programming began, members of the design team and the City met with the future users and supporters of the facility throughout the State. These included: •1st responders•National Guard•Department of Homeland Security•Legislators •Educational partners •Businesses The purpose of these meetings was to define a common mission for the RPSA: Improve the education and training of first responders with world class curriculum, in a first class facility.

Community Environment Continued:

In support of their mission, the stakeholders understood the importance of providing educational space for future public safety leaders in a dynamic learning environment.

Educational partners included:•Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne•Indiana Tech•Tri-State University•Ivy Tech•Anthis Career Center

This outreach produced a consortium of educational partners that began work on the delivery of Public Safety degrees, courses and certificate programs in a collective, collaborative environment. In addition, the group assisted greatly in defining the educational space requirements for these programs.

Second Floor Public Space

Gatheringand InteractionLearning Environment:

The design concept of the RPSA was to create a “city within a city.” An urbanized concept and plan was implemented, similar to what was used in the development of early cities, to create a gathering space for the community. The hallways, inspired by a “streetscape” concept were designed to encourage collaboration between students and professionals . The goal was to fuse the theoretical with the practical application by affording students and responders the opportunity to meet in gathering areas to discuss how principles in the classroom translate to the real world.

Simulator, Weight Room and GymLearning Environment Continued:

Additionally, a conscious decision was made to build shared spaces, such as a common weight room and gymnasium that required responders to interact on an informal basis.

All of the learning activity within the RPSA is powered by the latest training venues, classroom design, and state-of-the-art automation. An example of the high level of technology incorporated into the design is the inclusion of a SIMMAN state-of-the-art EMS simulator that is used for training purposes.

The auditorium, planning center and four classrooms are equipped for distance learning . Two computer labs round out this state-of- the-art facility.

EOC and ClassroomsLearning Environment Continued:

The homeland security suite, which is home to the Regional Director of Homeland Security, is equipped with a 24/7 emergency operations center (EOC) for the county and surrounding area. The EOC incorporates breakout spaces for various government agencies, such as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local civil defense radio operators.

Finally, through Department of Defense and Homeland Security, the Regional Public Safety Academy is designated as the 1st ever outreach site for the US Navy’s program. These robotics are staffed on-site and used by students and responders to help define new safety applications.

Physical Environment:From the start of the project, the stakeholders of the Regional Public Safety Academy were committed to creating a sustainable facility for their community. Therefore, the design team went to great lengths to ensure that the finished product was as green as possible. Sustainable features include:•Construction on a brownfield site – formerly an abandoned mall•Natural day lighting provided throughout the facility•Precast concrete with recycled aggregate•Low maintenance finishes •Recycled steel•Recycled gypsum board•No VOC paints, coatings and sealants•Waterless urinals, which save 3,200 gallons of water per year, per urinal•Parking lot asphalt was recycled•Roof is low maintenance and has a high reflective index•Sensor controlled lights

Planning Process:The planning process for this project involved a dynamic relationship that included representatives from the design team, the City and the General Contractor. From this group, several user groups were developed including: •The Educational Consortium•Regional 1st Responder Group•Business application group.

In addition, A Not-For-Profit Foundation was established. Because this facility was a new national model, the Foundation was tasked with building regional support for the facility, determining strategic uses and raising private funds.

Through the numerous collaborations and partnerships that occurred during the design and construction of this project, the RPSA has set a national benchmark for future public safety training and education centers.

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Data

Submitting Firm : SchenkelShultz ArchitectureProject Role ArchitectProject Contact Mr. David Sholl, AIATitle PrincipalAddress 111 East Wayne Street, Suite 555City, State or Province, Country Fort Wayne, IndianaPhone (260) 424-9080

Joint Partner Firm: N/AProject RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Other Firm: N/AProject RoleProject ContactTitleAddressCity, State or Province, CountryPhone

Construction Firm: Hagerman, Inc.Project Role ContractorProject Contact Mr. Brad SmithTitle Project ManagerAddress 510 W. Washington BoulevardCity, State or Province, Country Fort Wayne, IndianaPhone (260) 424-1470

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2008 Project Details

Project Name  Northeast Indiana Regional Public Safety Academy

City  Fort Wayne

State  Indiana

District Name  

Supt/President  

Occupancy Date  October 26, 2007

Grades Housed  Secondary Education

Capacity(Students)  Varies with Programs

Site Size (acres)  

Gross Area (sq. ft.)  

Per Occupant(pupil)  

gross/net please indicate  132,000 Gross SF; 72,955 Net Assigned SF

Design and Build?  No

If yes, Total Cost:  

Includes:  

If no,  

Site Development:  $1,680,000

Building Construction:  $19,725,933

Fixed Equipment:  N/A

Other:  

Total:  $21,405,933

Street View of the Regional Public Safety Academy

16 Lane Shooting Range

Community Gathering Space