The Australian Institute of Architects’ 2012 Queensland State Architecture Awards were announced on June 22 and a Public Architecture Award was given to the Robina Hospital Expansion designed by BVN.
According to the jury this major redevelopment for the Gold Coast Health Services District, ‘strikes an appropriate balance between operational efficiency and healthcare environment for patients and staff.’
This project has transformed a small local hospital into a major regional health facility and the jury found that ‘the architecture is elegant and refined, with gardens and rooftop terraces enhancing social and relaxation opportunities.’
According to BVN Principal Mark Grimmer in charge of the Robina design, the hospital design focused on creating a non-institutional feel that included ensuring maximising natural light and providing views to courtyards and the surrounding hinterland wherever possible.
The contemporary hospital is not only a place of support for the patient, but also a modern workplace for highly valued staff, and it was those twin concerns that the design focused on as it aimed to create a healthcare environment which challenges preconceptions of how a hospital should look and feel, and what a hospital experience can be, according to Mark.
Mark noted that ‘this award acknowledges the importance of paying attention to the quality of health care environments.’
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