University Hospital Geelong Childrens Ward
Client
Barwon Health
Location
Geelong, Victoria
Project Cost
$7.8M
Completion
2013
Director
Tony Cotter
Testimonial
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Tony and the team from Latitude Architects. They have done an amazing job designing our new ward, finding space where it didn't seem like there was any and producing an end result that both works extremely well and is aesthetically fantastic. They were wonderful to work with, flexible and accommodating, and listened extremely well to all our dreams, ideas and concerns. If you want a team that is professional, personable and keen to do all they can to produce the best possible design outcome, you can't go past them.”
Dr. David Fuller - Paediatrician, Divisional Medical Director, Children's Services. Director of Paediatric Education. Senior Lecturer Deakin University Clinical School
Category
HealthAbout This Project
In 2009 Cotter Reid Architects were commissioned to undertake a master plan for the redevelopment of the Children’s Ward at Barwon Health’s, University Geelong Hospital . Once the masterplan was completed, this formed the platform for a five-stage redevelopment of the Children’s Ward. The main aims of the redevelopment were: To develop a Children’s Ward that was a step beyond the ordinary, mindful of the Department of Human Services Guidelines, but challenging and adapting them as required to meet healthcare needs specific to the Geelong Hospital. The previous ward suffered from inadequate storage, and staff offices and facilities for working, training and meeting. There was also a need to further enhance security measures for ward access. To reduce the amount of shared bedrooms, to provide a better care environment. The redeveloped ward comes alive with bold colours and interesting shapes – these were derived from a mix of coloured MRI scans and kaleidoscopes. Faceted shapes and bold colours are deployed to provide a fun, vibrant environment, without making an age-specific gesture. Colour is also used as a way-finding tool – rooms have been individually colour-coded, with matching bold patterns in the floor. Health benefits are derived from the use of colour, as such use is proven to be a strong mood contributor, thus assisting the healing process through positive psychological impacts.
The Children’s Ward was funded jointly funded by community efforts driven by Barwon Health Foundation and Cotton On Foundation. Run Geelong was instrumental in raising the much need funds for this project and established the benchmark for Run Australia raising funds for health projects Australia wide.