Concept design revealed for new hospital and Institute
The State Government has unveiled the concept design for the new children's hospital which will also be the new home of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.
The design, which includes the external facade and layout of the building, was developed with input from internal and external stakeholder groups, including members of community; youth and Aboriginal advisory committees; and staff, patients and their families.
Health Minister Kim Hames said designers took inspiration from Kings Park's flora and fauna to determine their colour palette, ensuring the new children's hospital complemented its natural surrounding landscape. The design also took full advantage of the location, maximising views of Kings Park, the Swan River and the city skyline.
"Leading national and international evidence-based design research has been incorporated into the hospital's layout, including logical clinical adjacencies and integrating research and education," Dr Hames said.
"Most inpatient rooms will have views of Kings Park, the Swan River and the cityscape.
"More green space and natural light are key elements of the design, ensuring that the new building will create a healing environment for children, their families and staff.
Treasurer Christian Porter said the designers had also been mindful of sustainability and the Perth climate with the inclusion of a double skin facade, one of the biggest in Australia, which would maximise views, increase patient comfort and aid in sustainable energy use.
"The facade uses a mechanism to filter the sun's rays, helping cool the building - making it more comfortable for patients and visitors - and minimising energy costs," Mr Porter said.
Director of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Professor Fiona Stanley, commended the State Government for its foresight in integrating research, education and clinical care.
"The new children's hospital really epitomises the future of health care in the 21st century where research is embedded in the clinical setting. This means that patients will benefit from the advances in research much quicker and we, as researchers, can respond much more effectively to emerging issues and trends."
The project has now moved into schematic design which involves designing the research facilities and individual departments within the hospital. More detailed design of each room begins in 2012.
Construction will begin in early 2012 and be completed in late 2015.