Australian Health Design Council News

Randwick Children’s Hospital Redevelopment - Site Tour - February 2026

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:44:41 GMT

Write-up by Sanaz Memari, AHDC Committee Member.

The site visit opened with an overview of the five-year redevelopment journey, highlighting the strong collaboration between clinicians, architects, builders, researchers, and the local Aboriginal community.

The project team emphasised how early and sustained involvement from partners such as John Holland, BLP Architects, Health Infrastructure, consumer groups, and La Perouse community representatives shaped every design decision—from the building façade to the clinical model of care. This collaborative culture enabled difficult conversations, rigorous testing of ideas, and persistent advocacy for patient-centred priorities such as single rooms, improved visibility for nurses, integrated research spaces, and child- and family-friendly environments. The result is a purpose-built paediatric hospital that reflects the voices of children, families, and staff, delivered on time and on budget despite the complexity of the broader precinct and parallel projects.

The tour began in the newly designed single-patient rooms, all standardised to feel more like home than a hospital. Key features included neutral décor for personalisation, parent zones with movable furniture, integrated entertainment and food-ordering systems, disability-friendly layouts, and ensuite bathrooms.

From there, the group moved through therapy and recreation areas: a flexible multipurpose therapy room, a dedicated adolescent rec room with gaming and lounge spaces, and a balcony enclosed with mesh for safety—an important design decision that ultimately encouraged frequent family use.

The visit continued into the intensive care unit, where every child now has a private room, including negative-pressure rooms, with improved privacy, space for families to stay overnight, and sliding-door configurations that support different care models.

The tour then shifted to operational and clinical support spaces, including a simulation-capable patient room, medication rooms, and automated dispensing cabinets that streamline access to paediatric-specific medications and support safer, more efficient workflows.

The final stop was the outdoor playground—an intentionally bold departure from traditional “sensory garden” designs. Created after strong advocacy from staff and families, the playground provides a joyful, stress-relieving environment for patients, siblings, and staff, and has become one of the most valued features of the new facility.

Special thanks to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and Health Infrastructure for supporting the Australian Health Design Council in organising this exclusive site visit for our members.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our generous hosts and contributors: Cathy Lovell (Sydney Children’s Hospital), Elise Miller (Health Infrastructure NSW), Tara Veldman (BLP Architects), Michael Wylie (John Holland), and Karen Height (AHDC Events Subcommittee rep on the day); along with the many others who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this site visit such a success.

Celebrating Excellence in Healthcare Design – Congratulations to Tara Veldman!

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:41:41 GMT

The Australasian Health Design Council (AHDC) is proud to announce that Tara Veldman has been awarded the inaugural AHDC Gold Medal Award.

The announcement was made during the 2024 AHDC Annual General Meeting, with the award formally presented at the AHDC Conference earlier this week.

This prestigious award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the field of health design. Following an open nomination process and a rigorous scoring and selection process, Tara was selected as the first recipient of the AHDC Gold Medal Award.

The consolidated feedback from the judging committee highlighted that:

Tara has made an invaluable and lasting contribution to healthcare design through her visionary leadership, compassion, and commitment to excellence. Her leadership on major projects in Australia has set new benchmarks for care. While her influence is strongest at the facility level, she also contributes as a thought leader and mentor, sharing knowledge and inspiring emerging designers, thereby shaping the future of healthcare design through both practice and professional development.

We extend our sincere thanks to the AHDC Gold Medal Judging Committee — Kate Copeland, Isabelle Mansour, Warren Kerr, Alex Belcastro, and Ron Billard — for their thoughtful review and deliberation throughout this process.

We also thank all nominators who took the time to acknowledge the exceptional talent and dedication within our community.

We look forward to seeing the continued impact Tara will make through her advocacy and ambassadorship of the AHDC, and the inspiration she brings to the next generation of health designers.

Call for nominations to AHDC Committee 2025

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:58:38 GMT

We're pleased to announce the call for nominations for the Australian Health Design Council (AHDC) Committee for 2025. Your active participation is essential to shape the future of healthcare design in Australia.

As a current AHDC member, your insights matter. The AHDC Committee, comprising 9 members plus the immediate past president, has 3 positions up for re-election each year. Each member is appointed for three (3) years. In 2025, due to a casual vacancy, there is a fourth position available for a one year term.

Your involvement strengthens our mission to enhance healthcare environments. All members will have the opportunity to vote on the nominations, and you are all invited to the Annual General Meeting, where the new committee will be confirmed.

Nomination is open to current Individual, Student and Non-practicing Members. To nominate, follow these simple steps:

Complete the Nomination Form

Email the form to secretary@aushdc.org.au by 15 September 2025

Please note the following dates:

Deadline for Nominations: Monday 15 September 2025
Voting Period: 15 September - 9 October 2025
Annual General Meeting: Thursday 16 October 2025

Thank you for being part of the Australian Health Design Council.

Links:

Exploring Australia's Pioneering Health Facilities: A Journey Through Innovation and Design

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 04:37:47 GMT

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: Guy Grigson and Nikki Weston, Hassell, Glenn McDonald, Queensland Health, STARS, Dr Michael Wagels & Dr David Forrestal Herston Biofabrication Institute, 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

Recruiting Participants – Learning in Health Buildings

Alison Huynh — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 07:38:03 GMT

Are you an architect, designer, planner or clinician who works on/in health buildings? Interested in sharing your knowledge and experience?

Megan Phelps (PhD candidate, Sydney University) is interviewing professionals for a PhD research study. The focus is on enhancing health professional student learning using evidence-based design of health facilities.

Study title: Learning in health buildings - enhancing health professional student learning using evidence-based design

We are seeking professionals to take part in this study. Participants will be, or have been, involved in planning and designing health facilities. They may be an architect or designer, health professional, or clinical or other planner.

Taking part in this study will involve an interview for up to an hour, using Zoom technology. The interview will be recorded and transcribed for analysis. This may be face to face or using videoconferencing, at a convenient time for the participant.

This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) of The University of Sydney (HREC Approval No. 2024/HE000346).

Participant Information Statement: PIS professionals v1.docx

Participant Consent Form: PCF professionals v1.docx

Take Part in the Study

Image Credit: https://thepulse.org.au/2019/09/19/university-of-sydney-offers-education-opportunities-to-westmead-precinct/

Notice of Proposed Changes to AHDC Constitution – 2024 AGM

Alison Huynh — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:35:27 GMT

Dear Members,

Formal notice has been posted (via email) of the proposed changes to the AHDC Constitution, which will be tabled for voting at the upcoming 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for 17 October 2024.

The proposed amendments have been developed by Warren Kerr and Kate Copeland on behalf of the 2024 Committee and are recommended by the AHDC Committee for adoption through a Special Resolution.

The key details of these changes are outlined in the attached Explanatory Notes. There are six proposed amendments, and members are encouraged to review these ahead of the meeting to ensure informed discussion and decision-making.

The following documents are attached for your reference:

We look forward to your participation and input at the AGM.

Call for nominations to AHDC Committee

Alison Huynh — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 08:00:19 GMT

We're pleased to announce the call for nominations for the Australian Health Design Council (AHDC) Committee for 2025-2027. Your active participation is essential to shape the future of healthcare design in Australia.

As a current AHDC member, your insights matter. The AHDC Committee, comprising 9 members plus the immediate past president, has 3 positions up for reelection each year. Each Committee Member is appointed for three (3) years.

Nomination is open to current Individual, Student and Non-practicing Members. To nominate, follow these simple steps:

Complete the Nomination Form
Email the form to secretary@aushdc.org.au by September 20th

Please note the following dates:

Deadline for Nominations: Friday 20 September
Voting Period: 30 September - 11 October
Annual General Meeting: Thursday 17 October

Thank you for being part of the Australian Health Design Council.

AHDC - Committee Nomination Form.docx

Important committee dates:

Candidates should be aware of the following upcoming events and committee dates, in the case that they are voted in:

Annual General Meeting - Thu 17 October, 6pm AEDT online
Monthly Committee Meeting - Thu 7 November, 6pm AEDT online
National Conference Speaker dinner - Mon 25 Nov, 6.30 pm in Sydney
Committee dinner, Tue 26 Nov, 7.30pm in Sydney
National Conference Dates - 26-27 Nov in Sydney
Annual Strategy Meeting 1 - Thursday 5 December, 6pm AEDT online

Committee meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 6pm AEDT on Zoom.

2024 Research Scholarship

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 06:40:59 GMT

The 2024 Australian Health Design Council (AHDC) Research Scholarship assessment panel, chaired by Morag Lee, Warren Kerr, and Harm Hollander, is pleased to award the scholarship to Chloe Piper.

Chloe Piper stood out among the candidates through a comparative analysis of all applications, which were of a high quality. Her application was distinguished by exemplary endorsements from her supervisor, a high standard of methodological detail, and robust architectural supervision. Her research aligns with AHDC’s goal of facility design-based research, with a choice of study area that is both relevant and innovative.

Chloe Piper, a PhD candidate at Deakin University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, graduated from Deakin University with a Master of Architecture in 2011. Her professional experience spans prominent architectural firms in Melbourne, London, and Chile, covering a range of projects including cultural, educational, healthcare, office, residential, and mixed-use developments.

Her thesis, titled ‘Architecture of Compassion,’ focuses on designing healthcare environments for trauma. This research addresses the gap in trauma-informed building design, acknowledging the influence of physical environments on health outcomes. Chloe’s work explores how scientific findings related to wellbeing can inform the design of sensitive and responsive architectural spaces for individuals recovering from trauma. Her research contributes to the development of a holistic, healing-centred paradigm in architectural design.

On behalf of the AHDC, we congratulate Chloe Piper on this achievement and are pleased to announce that she will be presenting an update on her research at the National Conference held in Sydney in November.

About the Scholarship: https://www.aushdc.org.au/research-scholarship

AusHFG Feedback: Intensive Care and Adult Acute Inpatient Units

Tue, 07 May 2024 07:04:06 GMT

AHDC members are invited to provide targeted feedback on the development and improvement of the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG).

The AusHFG Team are seeking to continue improving feedback opportunities for industry experts. Enhanced feedback loops will support ongoing improvements to the AusHFG and continued support for project teams involved in the planning, design and construction of health facilities.

Feedback on the AusHFG resources relating to Intensive Care Units and Adult Acute Inpatient Unit is currently being sought. Feedback may include suggested areas of focus for the upcoming review, relevant feedback from recent projects, and associated references and related research.

Interested members are encouraged to provide comments on the resources below via the relevant feedback forms by 31 July 2024. Please send feedback via email to Marnie Blackburn, AusHFG Program Manager.

HPU 340 Adult Acute Inpatient Unit

HPU 360 Intensive Care Unit

Related Standard Components:

Intensive Care
- 1 Bed Room - Intensive Care
- Patient Bay - Intensive Care
Inpatient Accommodation
- 1 Bed Room (standard, special, bariatric and isolation)
- 2 Bed Room
- 4 Bed Room
- Ensuites (standard, special, accessible, shared, bariatric)
- Anteroom

AusHFG Comments Template_AHDC.doc

Email your Feedback

AHDC members are also welcome to provide feedback relating to other AusHFG resources at any time via the AusHFG website ‘Give Feedback’ link.

2023 AHDC Highlights Reel

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:36:58 GMT

2024 Events Calendar

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 00:27:37 GMT

We have a wide variety of events planned for 2024. Please take a look at our calendar and add these important dates to your calendar. Subscribe to our website or LinkedIn to stay updated.

AusHFG - Emergency Department Feedback

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 07:28:39 GMT

Following on from the process undertaken earlier this year regarding AusHFG Operating Suite resources, the AusHFG Team are seeking to continue improving feedback opportunities for industry experts. Enhanced feedback loops will support ongoing improvements to the AusHFG and continued support for project teams involved in the planning, design and construction of health facilities.

Feedback on the AusHFG resources relating to Emergency Departments may include proposed improvements to the resources, suggested areas of focus for the upcoming review, relevant feedback from recent projects and associated references and related research.

Interested members are encouraged to provide comments regarding the following resources via the feedback form available from the link below by 15 December 2023. This will be considered during the upcoming review process, which will be undertaken in consultation with clinical, operational and technical experts, as well as consumer representatives.

HPU 300 Emergency Unit
Related Standard Components:
- Consult Room - ENT/ Ophthalmology
- Patient Bay, Emergency - Ambulance Triage
- Patient Bay, Emergency - Acute Treatment
- Patient Room, Emergency - Acute Treatment Special
- Patient Bay, Emergency - Fast Track
- Patient Bay, Emergency - Non-Acute Treatment
- Patient Bay, Emergency - Resuscitation
- Reception, Emergency
- Triage Assessment Room, Emergency - Type 1
- Triage Assessment Room, Emergency - Type 2

AHDC members are also welcome to provide feedback relating to other AusHFG resources at any time via the AusHFG website ‘Give Feedback’ link.

Response form

Call for nominations to 2024 Committee

Alison Huynh — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 22:00:00 GMT

We're pleased to announce the call for nominations for the Australian Health Design Council (AHDC) Committee for 2024. The AHDC Committee, comprising 9 members plus the immediate past chair, has 3 positions up for reelection each year.

Nomination is open to current Individual, Student and Non-practicing Members. To nominate, follow these simple steps:

Complete the Nomination Form
Email the form to Andy Bradley by September 20th

Please note the following dates:

Deadline for Nominations: September 20th
Voting Period: October 2nd - 14th
Annual General Meeting: October 19th

AHDC - Committee Nomination Form 2023.docx

2023 Health Design Research Scholar: Carla Mileo

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 01:14:27 GMT

AHDC is proud to continue its support for research in health design with our Research Scholarship now in its 2nd year. This unique opportunity provides a PhD or Masters student to apply for funding to specialise in the field of health facility design.

Congratulations to this year’s winner; Carla Mileo, a Master of Architecture candidate at the University of Melbourne; for her thesis on the topic on “Towards an Architecture of Healing: Sensory Approaches to Restraints and Seclusion in Mental Health Facilities.”

Research Summary

This research aims to explore how sensory design strategies can contribute to making acute

psychiatric inpatient environments more restorative and so help reduce and eliminate the

use of restraint and seclusion. This is important for at least three reasons:

This is an area of mental healthcare design that has been under researched
There is increasing societal need for evidence-based care that addresses a range of factors contributing to poor mental health, including psychological, biological and social
There is potential to develop effective strategies that will contribute to achieving the Royal Commission reform priority to eliminate restraint and seclusion Research findings will contribute to an increasing knowledge of best practice for mental health facility design.

Selection Committee Statement

Committee findings were especially impressed by the topic of Towards an Architecture of Healing- Sensory Approaches to Reduce Restraint and Seclusion in Mental Health Facilities, as a worthwhile pursuit of a potential enhanced practice. Carla’s methodology and the quality of her academic support team also showed the merited rigour towards the potential positive application of any findings within practice.

Learn more about our Research Scholarships.

Operating Room Staff Experience and the Design of Operating Room Spaces

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 09:16:59 GMT

Researchers at the University of Adelaide are undertaking a study examining the engagement of perioperative nurses in the design of operating room spaces. This research project is about understanding staff engagement and perceptions regarding the process of operating room design to consider factors that influence safety and function when designing operating rooms.

AHDC members are invited to complete an anonymous survey regarding their experience operating room design planning and their interaction with operating room staff, to provide insight into factors that may improve safety and function. The online survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Please read the attached Project Introduction and Participant Invitation before completing the Survey.

H-2023-095 Participant Recruitment Letter.pdf

Letter of Introduction _ AHDC June 2023 .pdf

Click here to complete the survey.

Competition results: Next Generation of Stroke Rehabilitation Centres

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 07:30:35 GMT

The Australian Health Design Council is delighted to announce the results of the International Student Competition "Next Generation of Stroke Rehabilitation Centres". The competition was organized by the UIA - International Union of Architects and NOVELL redesign team and co-sponsored by Australian Health Design Council.

Our aim in supporting this competition is to foster and encourage research and creative exploration at the intersection of health and design. The competition invited students to design a rehabilitation center seeking creative and ambitious designs for meeting recovery needs for 30 stroke survivors.
Special mention to AHDC members Warren Kerr AM on the organizing committee, Dr Jane Repin Carthey as a jury member and Ruby Lipson-Smith in the Novell Design Team. Congratulations to all the winners!

In accordance with the rules, participants in this international competition submitted their projects anonymously. 175 projects were submitted by teams from 40 different countries.

The international jury, supported by the coordinator of the Technical Committee Zhipeng Lu, met virtually in May 2024 to evaluate the competition entries, and selected the 5 prize winners and 7 honourable mentions. The jury consisted of John Cooper (UK), Fani Vavili-Tsinika (Greece), Philip Patrick Sun (USA), Jane Repin Carthey (Australia), Innocent Okpanum (South Africa), Henning Lensch (alternate – Germany).

The first prize was awarded to Zheyuan Zhao, Jiayu Sun, Yutong Sun, Haibo Sun and their advisor Fei Lian from the Harbin Institute of Technology, China, for the project “Xhosa Miracle Spring” in Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

The jury lauded the entry for its “exquisite design, remarking on its provision of culturally appropriate, economically feasible solutions for Xhosa stroke survivors in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, a region characterized by rural poverty and an extremely arid climate. The design artfully harnessed the natural landscape, light, and ventilation to create therapeutic spaces. Public areas within the facility were transformed into cultural showcases that nurtured social interactions and provided positive distractions.”

“Xhosa Miracle Spring” in Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa, by Zheyuan Zhao, Jiayu Sun, Yutong Sun, Haibo Sun and Fei Lian, Harbin Institute of Technology, China

The jury awarded the remainder of the prizes as follows:

Second prize

Zuozheng Shi, Han Cui, Biao Chen, Xiaohui Guo, Wen Ouyang (Advisor), Tingwan Huang (Advisor)

Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, China

Community Patches – Warm Around, Life Around, Beijing, China

"Community Patches – Warm Around, Life Around", Beijing, China, by Zuozheng Shi, Han Cui, Biao Chen, Xiaohui Guo, Wen Ouyang and Tingwan Huang, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, China

Third Prize

Byeongsoo Kim, Kyeonghyeon Park

Kwangwoon University, South Korea

Meet Me at S.M.L. !, Seoul, South Korea

"Meet Me at S.M.L. !", Seoul, South Korea, by Byeongsoo Kim and Kyeonghyeon Park, Kwangwoon University, South Korea

Fourth Prize

Sidoine Baudrel Nde Keulek, Steve Wilson Ntakam Tonguembo, Lizette Marlaine Tsafack Donfack, Emy Sandrine Masso

National Advanced School of Public Works, Cameroon

Sustainable Survivor’s Village, Yaoundé, Cameroon

"Sustainable Survivor’s Village", Yaoundé, Cameroon, by Sidoine Baudrel Nde Keulek, Steve Wilson Ntakam Tonguembo, Lizette Marlaine Tsafack Donfack and Emy Sandrine Masso, National Advanced School of Public Works, Cameroon

Fifth Prize

Meng Chen, Nan Jiang, Fujia Lv, Yutong Li, Hsin-Hsien Chiu (Advisor)

Harbin Institute of Technology, China

Forest Rehabilitation Villa, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan

"Forest Rehabilitation Villa", Miura, Kanagawa, Japan, by Meng Chen, Nan Jiang, Fujia Lv, Yutong Li and Hsin-Hsien Chiu, Harbin Institute of Technology, China

Honourable mentions

Neda Norouzi, Dana Martinez, Ariana Gomez, Narda Parga Moreno
The University of Texas at San Antonio, United States of America
Riverside Recovery, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America

Harriet Asamoah, Nuhu Shuaib Abekah, Yiho Sare Yaboure Aristide Kevin Daouda, Philip Chinwendu Jason, Oliver Ackumey
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
Kumasi Stroke Rehabilitation Center, Ejisu, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana

Salma Essam Eldin Anwar, Ameera Abdallah Anas, Muna Mohamed Elsadig
University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Reinvigorate Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Artur Gała, Jan Kubec (Advisor)
Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Architecture, Poland
Rehabitat, Gdansk, Poland

Fryderyk Karzkowiak, Ewelina Zub, Barbara Gronostajska (Advisor)
Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland
Wroclaw Stroke Rehabilitation Center, Wroclaw, Poland

Liu Qiwei
Wuhan University, China
Blending To Harmony, Wuhan, Hubei, China

Kenfack Azangmo Anselme Raoul, Tekeu Kelly Fakira, Tsafack Fabien Junior, Tiayo Nopousse Diderot, Joubouh Atiofak Bienvenu Espoir
National Advanced School of Public Works, Cameroon
Revive Through Nature, Minkoameyos, Yaoundé, Cameroon

The winning entries will be exhibited at the UIA Public Health Work Programme Exhibition during the 28th UIA World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 2-6 July 2023.

For more information, click here.

Webinar: Surgical planning within the OR, using AI - 19 April 2023

Alison Huynh — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:28:59 GMT

You are invited to attend a webinar on Surgical Planning within the OR using Artificial Intelligence on Wednesday 19 April at 6:00pm AEST. The educational event is hosted by our Foundation Partner Getinge and the speakers are:

Dr Thomas Ramolla, Head of the OR management of Klinikum Stuttgart medical center affiliated with the University of Tübingen

David Minikin, Product Sales Manager, DHS Global Commercial Operations, will discuss AI surgical planning using the Torin OR management solution.

Hamza Ali, Product Specialist – Torin & Insight Asia Pacific

AusHFG Feedback: Operating Units

Alison Huynh — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:23:59 GMT

AHDC members are invited to provide targeted feedback on the development and improvement of the Australian Health Facility Guidelines.

The AusHFG Team are looking to improve feedback opportunities for industry experts. Enhanced feedback loops will support ongoing improvements to the AusHFG and continued support for project teams involved in the planning, design and construction of health facilities. As an initial trial, the AusHFG Team are seeking feedback from AHDC members on the specific AusHFG resources relating to Operating Units.

Feedback may include suggested improvements to the resources, suggested areas of focus for the next review, relevant feedback from recent projects and associated references, research and more.

Interested members are encouraged to provide feedback on the attached feedback form by 28 April 2023. Comments will be considered during the upcoming review process for these resources, which will be undertaken in consultation with clinical, operational and technical experts.

HPU 510 - Operating Unit and related Standard Components:

Operating Room - General
Procedure Room - Endoscopy
Anaesthetic Preparation Room
Clean-up Room - Shared
Scrub Up
Store - Sterile Stock
Store - Sterile Stock, Central Core

AusHFG Comments Template_AHDC.doc

Submit your feedback to AHDC

February 2023 Newsletter

Alison Huynh — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 03:18:17 GMT

Welcome to our February 2023 Newsletter. Thank you to everyone who tuned in to listen to our webinar this month, and to Marnie and Shalyce for their presentation. If you missed out, all members can watch the broadcast on our website.

In this month's issue, we have something for everyone. Please read on to hear about our podcast, a local event in Sydney, our international study tour, and research and student opportunities.

Health Design Podcast - Series 3 "Mix Bag"

We return with another series of interviews with our host David Cummins. This Mixed Bag includes a range of perspectives from leading industry experts.

Prof Aiden Row, Associate Professor, Professor of Design Studies, University of Alberta
Sara Marberry, Healthcare and senior living design expert
Warren Kerr AM, National Adviser, Health Portfolio, Hames Sharley
Prof Matthew Manso, Founder, VeryNice and Associate Professor of Practice, Design Strategy, University of Southern California
Stuart Turk, Critical Care Nurse and Clinical Health Planner, Silver Thomas Hanley
David Ross, Design Director, Keppie Design

Podcast Series 3 "Mix Bag"

Sydney Build Expo - Health Infrastructure Panel Discussion

Australian Health Design Council has partnered with Sydney Build Expo to deliver a Healthcare Panel Discussion at their upcoming event which will be held on 6-7 March at ICC Sydney. General attendance is free and our panel discussion will be located on the Infrastructure Stage on Monday 6th March at 11am AEDT. This event is in-person only.

Our panel discussion will explore how major redevelopment projects can create once-in-a-generation opportunities to change how healthcare buildings are designed and delivered. Future-focused design can build in efficiency, resilience, adaptability and value for money. The conversation will be chaired by AHDC Committee member Alison Huynh, (Associate Director, Bates Smart) with special guests:

Wade Sutton - Program Director for Design Excellence, NSW Health Infrastructure / State Design Champion, Government Architects NSW.
Sean Madden - Principal, Bridge42.

Sydney Build is Australia’s leading construction, architecture & infrastructure show that features 500+ exhibitors, hundreds of panel discussions, and incredible networking opportunities. The event connects all key players in the industry and attracts attendees from: contractors, architects, engineers, housebuilders, developers, government, and construction professionals.

Sydney Build Expo

Call for Proposals

We are planning our 2023/2024 event calendar! If you have a project, pitch or paper, we welcome you to submit a presentation proposal for an upcoming event. This might include a panel discussion, presentation, workshop or site visit. Our events include online, in-person and hybrid formats and we host events all over Australia.

Presenting at an AHDC event is an opportunity to share your knowledge with industry professionals, colleagues and the health design network. Our members value engaging and knowledgeable presentations grounded in research and practice.

Disclaimer: All submissions will be reviewed by the AHDC Events Sub-Committee. Submission does not guarantee you a presentation opportunity. We have limited spaces and will be in touch if a suitable event is available. If your proposal is selected, we will work with you to tailor the event to suit the interests of our members.

Submit your Proposal

European Study Tour: 14 - 23 June 2023

Our 2023 European Study tour will feature stops in France and Switzerland and is now open to 20 current AHDC members. Review the trip details and register now to secure one of the limited spots.

Tour dates have been set to follow on from the European Healthcare Design Congress and Exhibition (EHDC2023) which will be held on 12 - 14 June, 2023 at the Royal College of Physicians in London, UK.

Study Tour

UIA Student Design Competition

AHDC is sponsoring an international Design Competition for students of architecture around the world. The International Union of Architects (UIA) has launched the International Student Ideas Competition organised by the UIA Public Health Group and the NOVELL Redesign Team. AHDC Committee Member Dr Jane Repin Carthey is participating on the competition jury.

This competition aims to encourage architecture and design students interested in design for health and to advance new ideas and futuristic concepts to solve current challenges identified by brain-injured (stroke) patients, family members, and medical staff. It invites students to design a rehabilitation centre for 30 stroke survivors and seeks creative and ambitious designs to meet stroke survivors’ needs during their recovery.

The Deadline for Registration is coming up on March 15th, with submission due on 14th April 2023.

Student Design Competition

2023 Research Scholarship

In 2023 we will be accepting applications for the AHDC Design for Health Research Scholarship.

With AHDC support, you can take your career to the next level in the field of health facility design. This initiative is intended for architect-researchers, health facility planners, and other design professionals with an interest in health facility design. This will provide career opportunities, advance the design evidence base within the field, and be a catalyst for knowledge sharing within the health facility design community.

Updated information will be published in March, along with more information about the Scholarship, submission requirements, eligibility, terms and conditions.

Research Scholarship

Membership Renewal

We are making some minor changes to our membership renewal structure. You can now join AHDC at any time to access 12 months membership from the date of registration. This replaces our previous Financial Year membership model. Current and lapsed members will still need to renew by 1st July each year according to their existing term.

This reform ensures that you can access membership at a time that suits you. By joining today, you will have access to all our 2023 events, including discounted conference tickets and partner events. Members can also access the Member Directory, database of past presentations, CPD points, Scholarships and more.

Join AHDC Today

January 2023 Newsletter

Alison Huynh — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 01:28:09 GMT

Welcome to our January 2023 Newsletter. AHDC Committee has been working hard over the summer break to prepare for a year packed full of exciting events and opportunities. Inspired by the great discussions hosted at our inaugural conference, we look forward to bringing you the best in health design. Read on to hear about what’s in store for 2023.

And for those who missed out on last year’s Inaugural Australasian Health Design Conference, we have compiled a highlight reel featuring some of our wonderful delegates.

Watch the Highlights Reel

February Webinar - AusHFG Update 2023

Save the date for our first webinar, which will be held on Thursday 16th February at 6pm AEDT. Our first session of the year will feature an update from the Australian Health Facilities Guidelines development team on their work throughout 2022 and into 2023.

We will welcome back Marnie Blackburn and Shalyce Corney for their insights into facilitating the AusHFG review processes to ensure alignment with current best practice models of care, efficient operational models, sustainable and affordable design solutions.

The event will be hosted online via Zoom, with registration available from 2nd February. As always, our webinars are free to attend for members. If you are not a member, you can sign-up now or pay for your annual membership when you register for the event.

Join AHDC Today

Sydney Build Expo - Healthcare Panel Discussion

Australian Health Design Council is partnering with Sydney Build Expo to deliver a Healthcare Panel Discussion at their upcoming event which will be held on 6-7 March at ICC Sydney. General attendance is free and our panel discussion will be located on the Infrastructure Stage on Monday 6th March at 11am AEDT. This event is in-person only the event is free for all to attend.

2023 European Study Tour Announced

In 2019, we traveled to Northern Europe to visit health facilities in The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden. This year, we will travel to France and Switzerland and we are looking forward to repeating our previous success. The study tour will be open to current AHDC members and will feature a perfect balance between learning, networking with peers and local hosts, and enough time for rest & recreation. Mark your calendars for the tour dates 14-23 June 2023 and stay tuned to find out more.

Tour dates have been set to follow on from the European Healthcare Design Congress and Exhibition (EHDC2023) which will be held on 1214 June, 2023 at the Royal College of Physicians in London, UK. The theme of the conference is “Fault lines and front lines: Strengthening health system resilience”. For those who are unable to attend the European Congress, online only tickets are available to follow the presentations live.

Find out More About EHDC2023

Call for Entries to European Healthcare Design Awards

We are proud to support the European Healthcare Design Awards which is open to international projects and teams across the health sector. Comprising ten categories across primary, community, secondary and tertiary levels of international healthcare provision and infrastructure, there is a category to suit every project. Australian projects previously often featured as award winners. Submissions will be accepted until 1 March 2023, with the shortlist due to be announced in April.

View the Call for Entries

2022 Design for Health Scholar: Katharina Nieberler-Walker

Alison Huynh — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Australian Health Design Council is delighted to announce the award of our Inaugural Design for Health Scholarship to Katharina Nieberler-Walker for her PhD studies on the topic of Therapeutic Hospital Gardens. Katharina is a PhD Scholar at Griffith University, a registered landscape architect and director of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). Her research explores the central question, ‘How can therapeutic hospital gardens be purposefully designed, evidence-based and well-integrated into health policy and hospital programs to optimise their health promoting qualities?’

The quality of applications received was excellent and we would like to encourage all current and potential students to look forward to the next scholarship opportunity in 2023.

PARTNER EVENT: European Healthcare Design 2021 Call for Entries.

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 23:15:17 GMT

PARTNER EVENT:

Call for Entries: European Healthcare Design 2021

“Once Again our Chair Kate Copeland is Lead Judge for “Healthcare Design (Over 25,000 sqm)”

AHDC 2020 AGM and Event Video is now available

John Temple — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 03:41:26 GMT

A video of the AGM and Event 8 presentation are now available online in the member only section of the website along with a pdf copy of the presentation.

EHDC 2020 - Take another look or Register to watch recordings until 30th Oct

John Temple — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 21:28:38 GMT

At the Tipping Point:
Designing for Population and Planetary Health

14-18 September, Virtual

Register to view the recordings

23 September 2020

EHD2020 (virtual): First virtual congress attracts 1000+ delegates; watch sessions on demand

We've had a few days to gather our breath back after the conclusion of the 6th European Healthcare Design Congress, which took place last week across multiple time zones. And we've been overwhelmed by the response and loyalty of the healthcare design community in our efforts to transition the physical event into a virtual one.

Last week's virtual congress featured more than 200 talks and nine keynotes across 60 sessions, including a 'conference within a conference' in the form of the COVID-19 Global Summit on Healthcare Design. There was also an expo area with more than 25 virtual exhibition booths – and the ability for attendees to network via live chat, messaging, and video meetings. And the congress culminated with a virtual ceremony to celebrate the winners of the European Healthcare Design Awards 2020.

We are grateful for the patience of speakers and delegates when at times the digital technology failed to meet expectations, but excited by the opportunity created for the congress to extend its reach, attracting more than 1000 delegates from all corners of the globe. Not only that but the recordings of the majority of the talks are now available to watch on demand for 30 days via the virtual events site.

So if you didn't register in time for the live event, there is still the opportunity to register now to watch the recordings over the next few weeks.

The organisers would like to extend our sincere thanks to all delegates, exhibitors, speakers, chairs, event partners, awards judges, and, of course, to all our sponsors for their support and loyalty in these challenging times. The congress would not have been possible without them. Congratulations as well to all the awards winners – see below for the full list of winners and highly commended projects.

EHD Awards 2020: Winners revealed

As has become tradition, the European Healthcare Design Congress 2020 was brought to a close with a ceremony to celebrate the winners of the European Healthcare Design Awards 2020, supported by Integrated Health Projects (IHP) and category sponsors WSP, Hoare Lea and Medical Architecture.

This year, however, the ceremony was delivered exclusively online – marking a fitting conclusion to celebrate the incredible innovation, collaboration and adaptation in healthcare design projects witnessed over the past 18 months.

The Awards shortlist was announced in July, following a hotly contested competition and intensive judging process. It comprised organisations and multidisciplinary project teams, considered by the judges to have achieved shining examples of design projects and innovations in healthcare, and which will help raise the bar in healthcare design and service delivery in Europe and across the globe.

Prizes were given in a number of categories across primary, community, secondary and tertiary levels of international healthcare provision and delivery.

Read more to view the winners and the full shortlist

Hospice triumphs in competition to win calming clinical lighting solutions

Wakefield Hospice has won a prize of clinical lighting solutions, worth £10,000, donated by Visualite.

The hospice was announced as the winner during the European Healthcare Design Awards 2020 closing ceremony, which was hosted this year virtually. It will now benefit from installation of the solutions, which aim to create a relaxing ambience, help calm anxiety, reduce claustrophobia, enhance wellbeing, and offer a source of distraction for patients.

The competition saw Visualite, in collaboration with Luxna Lighting and YESSS Electrical, team up with Salus Global Knowledge Exchange. It was open to any department treating and caring directly for patients, in any healthcare facility operating within the primary, community, secondary or tertiary care sectors in the UK.

The competition attracted a fantastic response and three entries were shortlisted: Solent NHS Trust, partnered with Sonnemann Toon Architects; Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; and Wakefield Hospice.

Read more

EHD2020 round-up: Inspiring keynote talks

EHD2020: Designing for population and planetary health

The 6th European Healthcare Design Congress – the first-ever delivered virtually, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and necessary restrictions on social gatherings – kicked off last week with a hard-hitting opening plenary looking at designing for population and planetary health within the context of climate change and COVID-19.

Read more

EHD2020: The health gap – building a healthy and health-creating society

The 6th European Healthcare Design Congress continued on day two with another plenary of keynote talks, exploring wider issues around health, wellness, life expectancy, health inequalities, and how technology may be deployed to address these problems.

Read more

EHD2020: COVID-19: a new paradigm – systems, science and society

This year’s 6th European Healthcare Design Congress featured a special COVID-19 Global Summit – a ‘conference within a conference’ comprising two days of talks from researchers, policy makers and practitioners from all over the world, exploring the healthcare design community’s response to the ongoing pandemic and sharing the lessons learned.

Read more

20% Discount for EHDC

John Temple — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 09:58:07 GMT

Members of the Australian Health Design Council are entitled to 20% off their ticket price by applying for a discount code. All members have been sent information on how to apply for a code.

If you did not receive this please contact us!

Preliminary Programme Click Here

Register Click Here - If you are a non AHDC member to pay full price!

AHDC Event 6 Video is Online

John Temple — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 13:00:06 GMT

Critical Care Design: Lessons From More Than 27 Years of ICU Design Award Winners

Presentation by Charles Cadenhead, FAIA, FACHA, FCCM - Houston USA.

A video of the presentation and discussion is now available to view on our member only pages.

Click Here for Past Presentations

AHDC 2020 Event 4 Video is Online

John Temple — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 13:35:26 GMT

Login to our member only section to view a video of the webinar, get access to a pdf of the presentation and see a copy of the feedback.

AHDC Event 3 CSSD - Video online

John Temple — Fri, 15 May 2020 00:21:10 GMT

A video, and PDF of the presentations, from the 14th May Event/Webinar is now available on the member only pages. Please login to view and download.

Video Available of Feb 2020 Event

John Temple — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:41:56 GMT

“Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) of Healthcare Facilities – A New Approach.”

We are looking forward to developing our video records of future events!

Sharing Information Planning and Design COVID-19

John Temple — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:11:55 GMT

Over the past week one of our committee, Warren Kerr (in his role as the Immediate Past Chair of the International Union of Architects Public Health Group), has been involved in a number of international efforts through the UIA PHG to share information amongst different countries regarding planning and design for the coronavirus outbreak.

To assist in this process, the UIA PHG is setting up a section of its website at https://www.uia-phg.org/ to share this type of information.

Event 1 2020 Feedback

John Temple — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 11:20:30 GMT

Fantastic First Event for 2020! Great Feedback Received!

The presentation and full feedback report are now available via Member only Pages.

Please login to view!

EHD 2020 Call For Papers Extended to 17thDec 2019

John Temple — Sun, 24 Nov 2019 05:49:03 GMT

Click Here Call For Papers Closes 17th Dec

Keen to go to London in 2020? Watch this space / contact us, we are looking to arrange a group from Aus/NZ with a group discount.

Last 2019 Event - See you all in 2020

John Temple — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 10:32:09 GMT

Thanks to Rhonda for her presentation / discussion tonight.

Thanks to all those who joined us around Australia and joined in the discussion.

For all of those who joined us and for those who could not make it tonight the presentation is now available in the member only section of the website.

NEW AHDC Website is Live

John Temple — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 03:00:00 GMT

All Members and Subscribers.

The New AHDC Website and Membership Management System is Live! Our plan is to update the look/feel and content over the next weeks / months. However, this is a member site. Please update your profile and share it with other members!

AHDC 2018-19 Committe Meet Up

John Temple — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 06:30:00 GMT

The 2018-19 Committee met up in Brisbane on August 15th to plan ahead for future events, including the forthcoming AGM, and agree the new website / membership management system.

AHDC & NZHDC Chairs meet up in Christchurch

John Temple — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 14:06:15 GMT

Kate Copeland (our chair) with Darryl Carey (NZHDC chair). 3 more committee members (Jane Carthey, Warren Kerr & Michel Verheem), joined a number of other AHDC members in crossing the ditch to take part in the NZHDC + UIA-PHG Conference 30-31st July 2019.

AHDC Planning Stream at ACHSM Congress 9-11 Oct 2019

John Temple — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 11:00:00 GMT

AHDC are working in conjunction with the ACHSM and have included a stream for health facility planning and design in the forthcoming ACHSM Congress being held at the Gold Coast from 9-11 October 2019.

This includes an invitation to David Allison from Clemson University as a keynote speaker to the Congress. A Master Class on user group processes is being facilitated by Jane Carthey and associates, together with several concurrent sessions on topics of interest.

Come and Join us - See Events