The architectural vision for the $250m Royal Women’s Hospital redevelopment project is the result of a joint venture between Woodhead and DesignInc (DWI) as part of a successful PPP bid by the Bilfinger Berger – Baulderstone/Royal Women’s Health Partnership. The hospital is Australia’s latest state-of-the-art hospital dedicated to caring for all women and newborn babies.
The 160 bed specialist women’s and neonatal health service is designed as an iconic stand alone facility with its own distinctive presence. It is designed to be efficient and non-threatening, contemporary – yet befitting its environs, innovative, sustainable and most of all planned with all women in mind.
The innovative ESD approach includes 100% fresh air-conditioning to the inpatient wards using the energy efficient displacement method that helps to create wellness and minimise cross infection.
Appealing colours and textures create an informal and warm environment for patients and their families. The main entry foyer incorporates a clean, modern reception enhanced by rich finishes and evokes a sense of a hotel lobby rather than a hospital.
Patient convenience was a key driver in the design process. The design team developed a simple layout which is navigated intuitively.
The Royal Women’s Hospital is a modern healthcare facility based on contemporary design principles and addresses the issues women identified as important to them.
Project Teams:
Awards:
- Best International Health Project (over 40000 sqm), Design & Health International Academy Awards 2009
- 2010 Property Council of Australia Award for Excellence & Innovation, Award for Public Buildings: Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne VIC
Environmental Graphics, Signage and Wayfinding
Woodhead’s Graphics consultancy was responsible for the planning, design and documentation for all wayfinding and statutory signage as well as all external site identification signage. The comprehensives program required the development of a branded sign system for both the Royal Women’s Hospital. A complimentary yet unique sign system was designed for the Frances Perry private hospital level and all five car parking levels of this nine level hospital.
In addition the Woodhead designed Environmental Graphics serves not only to express the brand of the RWH, yet also to convey the ‘person-centred’ approach to care that the Hospital prides itself on.
Images were chosen that portrayed a broad demographic of age and culture which aimed to communicate the inclusive health care provision that is sensitive to the individual needs of patients and their supporters.
