The 2024 Health Facilities Design Study Tour took participants on an insightful journey through some of Australia’s most innovative healthcare environments. Organised by ID-LAB in collaboration with the Australian Health Design Council, the tour provided an opportunity to explore cutting-edge hospital designs, gain insights from industry leaders, and foster meaningful discussions on the future of healthcare architecture.
Brisbane: Merging Functionality with Nature
The tour commenced in Brisbane with a visit to Queensland Children's Hospital, a striking example of patient-centred design. Developed by Lyons and Architectus, the hospital integrates natural elements and vibrant artwork to create a welcoming environment for children and their families. Tour guide Lynne Seear provided valuable insights into how the hospital’s design promotes healing and engagement.
The afternoon took us to the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), located within the Herston Health Precinct. Designed by Hassell, STARS exemplifies the integration of state-of-the-art technology with thoughtful spatial planning to enhance patient recovery. Stephen Watson from Hassell shared details on the facility’s approach to designing rehabilitation environments that promote movement and well-being.
A highlight of the day was the visit to the Herston Biofabrication Institute, a hub for medical innovation focused on 3D printing and biomanufacturing. This cutting-edge research centre is shaping the future of personalised healthcare, and the team’s enthusiasm for collaboration between clinicians, engineers, and designers was inspiring. We finished the day with an insightful presentation on the latest developments in medical technologies at Stryker’s R&D Lab, also located on the Herston campus.
Tweed Valley: A Regional Health Revolution
The following day, we travelled to Tweed Valley Hospital, a $580 million development by STH+Bates Smart that is redefining regional healthcare. Designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and patient comfort, the hospital serves as a benchmark for future regional health projects. Alex Brislan from STH invited Ms Rachael Andrew, Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Mike Lindley-Jones, former Director of ICU, and Dr Rob Davies, Director of Emergency Medicine, to guide us through the facility. They provided valuable insights into how the hospital’s layout and material choices support both operational efficiency and a therapeutic atmosphere.
Melbourne: Advancing Cancer Care and Paediatrics
Arriving in Melbourne, we visited the New Footscray Hospital project, currently under construction. Representatives from Multiplex and BLP detailed the complexities of delivering a large-scale hospital in a growing metropolitan area, highlighting the collaborative efforts required to ensure the facility meets future community needs.
A visit to the Royal Children's Hospital followed, where Mark Mitchell and Louise Clark, Manager of Facilities & Project Management, showcased one of the most celebrated healthcare designs in Australia. Developed by Billard Leece Partnership and Bates Smart, the hospital’s design is inspired by nature, featuring a stunning central atrium, an in-house aquarium, and interactive spaces for young patients. The integration of daylight, outdoor courtyards, and warm materials fosters a calming and engaging environment, setting a benchmark for paediatric care facilities.
Next, we explored the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), a world-class facility dedicated to cancer treatment and research. Designed by DesignInc, Silver Thomas Hanley, and McBride Charles Ryan, the VCCC is a bold architectural statement with a distinctive façade and an interior that prioritises both research collaboration and patient experience. Supported by our tour guide Criston Batey-Smith from DesignInc, the discussion on the role of architecture in supporting cutting-edge medical advancements was particularly enlightening.
Bendigo: Regional Healthcare Excellence
Our final destination was Bendigo Hospital, a testament to the potential of regional healthcare infrastructure. Designed by Bates Smart and STH, the hospital balances modern medical services with community integration. The facility’s design is deeply rooted in its regional context, incorporating natural materials and extensive landscaping to create a welcoming and restorative environment. One standout feature was the exceptional landscape design by Tract, which seamlessly integrates green spaces to enhance the hospital's therapeutic setting. CEO of Exemplar Health, Joan O’Brien, provided an in-depth look into the hospital’s operational model and design choices, emphasising the importance of strategic planning—particularly strategic ongoing maintenance—in delivering high-quality healthcare facilities outside major cities.
A Fitting Conclusion
The study tour concluded with a reflective lunch at a local winery, where participants shared key takeaways and discussed how the insights gained could be applied to future projects. The trip reinforced the critical role that architecture and design play in shaping patient experiences and improving healthcare outcomes. As with our previous tours in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden, we once again demonstrated our ability to perfectly balance education, professional exchange, and the all-important discovery of each region’s culinary delights!
Acknowledgements
This tour would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of our attendees: Jordan Bartlet, Cameron Macdonald, Clare Della Bosca, Emma Bond, Maddi Collins, Nathan Collins, Nicole de Lacy, Steve Choy, Diane Greenwood, Helen Neill, Matt Kenchington, Mel Currey, Rod Pindar, Tamra Shakespeare, and Tim Burger. Their engagement, insightful discussions, and shared expertise enriched every visit and conversation along the way.
Additionally, special thanks to our hosts and guides: Hassell, STH, BLP, Multiplex, DesignInc, Exemplar Health, and all the professionals who generously shared their knowledge and experiences. Their contributions ensured that this journey was not only informative but truly inspiring.
The 2024 Health Facilities Design Study Tour exemplified the power of thoughtful design in healthcare. By fostering collaboration between architects, healthcare professionals, and researchers, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in hospital environments. We look forward to future tours and the continued exchange of ideas that drive innovation in healthcare design.
Some tour photo highlights
