Project overview

This unique facility was conceived to utilise the ability to enable medical students within the UNE to have direct and real access to Armidale Hospital and the associated health care facilities whilst being able to withdraw into dedicated learning environments effectively within the same ‘space’. The building proposes a state-of-the-art teaching GP practice on the ground floor with two upper floors that offer an academic base for students completing practical work within the Hospital. The Clinic will interface directly with the public providing 8 Consulting Rooms for visiting GP’s, 2 Treatments Rooms, Triage rooms, Procedure Rooms and all necessary ancillary rooms and spaces required.

The design has sought to present a layout and feel that is removed from the more traditional health centres offering both increased light and transparency and through the materials used a more warm, inviting and safe environment for visitors. The teaching spaces will offer a mix of informal learning environments, large seminar rooms, tutorial rooms, open plan administration spaces as well as two dedicated simulation laboratories and one rehabilitation gymnasium. The spaces offered reflect the demands of the course, The project offers a unique ability for the cross pollination of ideas between health professionals, students and academics within a dedicated and purpose-built environment.

The design of the TCS has benefitted from the inherent heritage architecture and brickwork of the surrounding hospital. Utilising the forms in a contemporary way to complement and enhance the history of the site and take the focus away from some of the less consider buildings littered around the hospital site as part of a more rapid growth and development. TCS is a first of its kind for both UNE and Armidale. The challenges of working in regional Australia are clear and present however in UNE, an ambitious and focused client with defined goals can within budget still deliver a highly successful, contemporary and modern teaching facility to match any of those within the bigger cities along Australia’s east coast.