Newest MBMA Educational Folio Is Firehouse Ministries Shelter

Cleveland, OH - The Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) announces the publication of a profile on the Firehouse Ministries Shelter in Birmingham, Alabama. The newest MBMA architecture-focused educational case study takes a detailed look at the award-winning facility serving the needs of homeless men, women and children.

It is the latest title in the Architectural Significance in Metal Buildings series and is available at MBMAeducation.org/resources/.

“With the seventh publication in this series, MBMA is pleased to provide architecture faculty and students with an array of free resources showing both the practical and the creative design possibilities of metal buildings,” said Tony Bouquot, MBMA general manager. “Each folio provides a comprehensive look at a unique facility and offers insights into design priorities and decisions as well as the results.”

MBMA’s educational resources are easy to access and utilize for students, faculty and designers. “I use MBMA teaching videos, folios and research materials for my classes every semester,” said Greg Snyder, Associate Professor of Architecture and Undergraduate Program Director, School of Architecture, University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

The Firehouse Ministries Shelter folio was created by MBMA in coordination with Poole & Company Architects and Dunn Building Company, LLC. The folio highlights the 28,000-square-foot emergency and day shelter that houses an average of 135 guests each night and provides medical care for approximately 3,000 people each year.

The 20-page folio contains:

• Project observations and insights from the architect, construction team and local officials, including advice to architecture students.

• Specific needs and challenges for the unique facility, including addressing neighbors’ concerns, a tight budget and the desire to create an inviting yet practical space.

• Photos, drawings and design graphics that highlight important aspects of the project.

MBMA’s previous publications in the Architectural Significance in Metal Buildings series spotlight the Alamo Beer Company in San Antonio; the Boston Sports Institute in Wellesley, Massachusetts; the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex in Los Angeles; the Haulover Marine Center in North Miami Beach, Florida; the Jacksonville University Basketball Performance Center in Jacksonville, Florida; and the Arbogast Performing Arts Center in Troy, Ohio.

About The Metal Building Manufacturers Association

Founded in 1956, MBMA serves manufacturers and suppliers as it works to promote the metal building systems industry. Its membership supplies high-quality buildings for use in commercial, retail, office, industrial, institutional and other end-uses. The association provides a wealth of information on its website for anyone who works with or is interested in metal building systems. It includes technical materials and design guides. For more information, visit www.mbma.com.