The University of Melbourne Clinical School, St Vincent’s Hospital

Education / Fitzroy

Photographer: Ben Hosking

Gardiner Architects has had an ongoing relationship with the University of Melbourne’s Medicine Faculties at St. Vincent’s Hospital for over 15 years. This particular project was for the Department of Medicine, Clinical Teaching School. The essence of the design approach was to open up what was a dark, introverted space to become light, inviting and functional for a large number of students.

The project comprised a refurbishment of the outdated administration and reception area with the addition of tutorial rooms and student recreation areas. The department caters for about 10 staff, and at least 100 students who effectively live, work and study in this facility during three monthly placements.

The narrow corridors have been replaced by wide multi-function spaces that connect to tutorial rooms. This allows congregation after lectures while clearly leading to the office and student common areas. The colours and graphics strengthen the logic of the public space.

The glazed walls of the tutorial rooms at the centre of the building visually and physically connect all functional spaces, becoming the natural congregation point for teachers and students. The aesthetic is dynamic, inviting and a little bit fun; suited to the young generation of prospective doctors.