HEALTH
IN CONTEXT

The increasing level of standardisation in healthcare design aims to ensure that all Australian hospitals are affordable and offer the same quality of care.

However, an opportunity for innovation lies in how we adapt standard designs in response to context such as geographical location and demographics.

“It’s not something that’s talked about a lot in the industry and there’s not a lot of readily available information on how to apply contextual overlay.”

As well as upholding quality, standardisation establishes a baseline of safety and efficiency of patient care. The Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (Aus HFGs) provide a structured methodology that informs the design of healthcare environments. However, while standardisation is essential, it can sometimes lead to a perception of uniformity that stifles creativity and innovation.

The work of Sannah and the Architectus Conrad Gargett Health team explores the delicate balance of adhering to the Aus HFGs while tailoring each design to its community surrounds and unique operational needs.

One example of these unique needs include the tailored structural needs for a hospital in an area with extreme weather events. Sannah points to the team’s work on the Satellite Hospitals Program in South East Queensland, which will deliver seven healthcare facilities in rapidly-expanding communities.

“It’s an example of standardisation and context working hand-in-hand,” says Sannah. “We’ve needed to develop a single solution for varied climactic conditions, which requires a flexible but robust framework.”

Another example she refers to is the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital in New South Wales. As part of the Government Architect of NSW’s pilot program for Connecting with Country, Eurobodalla contextual overlay will feature the use of Dhurga language to support wayfinding around the hospital campus and the inclusion of a Meeting Place.

“It’s about including what’s right for each community,” summarises Sannah.

Another glaring example of the need for contextual overlay is in regional vs metropolitan hospitals.

Metropolitan hospitals need to accommodate for a hugely diverse demographic, while in regional hospitals “spaces work hard to be everything”, says Sannah.

“For example a treatment space might be used for low-grade procedures, but you can also use it as an education space with a dummy in it when there is capacity, and if you have the right gases in the room it can be a spill-over space for patients at busy times.”

For the New Coomera Hospital in South East Queensland, our health team have designed an overlay of ‘context and place’ to connect patients and visitors with the natural surroundings. This is achieved by visual and physical links to the bushland and spaces where people can connect with nature.

While standardisation provides a solid foundation, it is the contextual overlay that adds a bespoke touch to healthcare environments. By considering the cultural, social, and geographical context of each facility, we can infuse innovation into our designs. This means engaging with local communities, understanding their specific healthcare needs and incorporating elements that reflect their identity and values. Integrating local materials or artworks can create a sense of place that resonates with both staff and patients and their carers. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the facility but also fosters a sense of belonging, connection and safety, which is vital for patient wellbeing.

“For us, it’s about best practice and providing best care for patients and you’re cognisant of that when you’re talking about design.”