perth's latest hospital features distinctive triangulated façades

perth’s latest hospital features distinctive triangulated façades
photography by peter bennetts

located in western australia, the ‘fiona stanley hospital’ in perth has opened its doors to the public. completed by HASSELL, in collaboration with silver thomas hanley and hames sharley, the vast 140,000 square meter complex has been designed to ensure a coherent relationship between building and landscape.

the scheme has been designed to ensure a coherent relationship between building and landscape

alongside the hospital’s abstracted tessellated façade, the landscape and public domain incorporate green vistas, sunlight and access to the plot’s natural surroundings. the design team enlisted the help of dr roger ulrich who asserts that patients’ psychological and physical well-being can be directly influenced by architecture.

the hospital’s landscape comprises a linear park

the triangulated elevations feature shaded hoods that optimize external views for patients, while simultaneously maximizing light penetration into the building. as such, key circulation routes and other strategic zones are flooded with natural light. internal gathering spaces throughout the building are designed to capture views of external courtyards and the natural landscape that surrounds the hospital. importantly, the building’s flexible layout can accommodate future expansion and new developments in clinical treatment and medical research.

the design incorporates a selection of artwork and a variety of tactile surfaces

the hospital’s landscape comprises an external linear park and a series of interior courtyards that bring a variety of green spaces into the core of the structure. this wide array of courtyards and pathways enables patients, including those using walking frames and wheelchairs, to easily access fresh air and green space. the design also incorporates a selection of artwork and a variety of tactile surfaces and fragrant plants that help support a multisensory healing process.

patients can use the park to congregate with family, friends or pets

outdoor spaces mirror aspects of domestic life in order to reduce the sense of alienation often experienced by people spending long periods of time in hospital. features include raised garden beds, a washing line and fruit trees to allow familiar exercises such as daily chores and gardening. barbecues, tables and chairs are also present. alternatively, patients can also use the external park for recreation or to congregate with family, friends or even pets.

the building’s flexible layout can accommodate future expansion

project info:

scale: 140,000 sqm
value: AUS $2 billion
completed: 2014
disciplines: architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, planning
collaboration: HASSELL, silver thomas hanley, hames sharley