A Milestone for Disaster Response

New Disaster Response Center in Greifswald Celebrates Topping-Out Ceremony

The structural shell is complete, windows are installed, and portions of the façade are already visible: The Greifswald Disaster Response Center (Gefahrenabwehrzentrum or GAZ) has officially celebrated its topping-out ceremony.

 Construction on the new facility began nearly a year ago in the local industrial zone. Once completed, the GAZ will centralize all key disaster response capabilities for the Vorpommern-Greifswald district under one roof.

 More than 100 specialists from emergency medical services, fire departments, the tele-emergency physician center, and command staff will collaborate in the new building. Dedicated office space is also planned for the district’s Bundeswehr liaison command (Kreisverbindungskommando).

 The three-story building’s centerpiece is the emergency dispatch center with its integrated tele-emergency physician unit, located on the top floor. Once operational, this hub will handle emergency calls and coordinate response efforts around the clock.

 The building’s distinctive design is already clearly recognizable. The slightly cantilevered upper floor and angled façade elements define the structure and visually underscore the strategic importance of the dispatch center. Sections of the red brick-and-metal façade are already in place. This striking exterior will make the three-story building stand out within the industrial zone, signaling the vital role these institutions play for the local community.

Inside, the design prioritizes the unique demands of 24/7 operations. Abundant natural light, clear sightlines, and optimized acoustics create an environment conducive to focused work and rapid communication. The extensive technical infrastructure is integrated into the architecture in a way that supports the space without dominating it.