Medical and health research building
Flinders University,
design: Architectus
In the heart of Flinders University's campus in Bedford Park, in the south of Australia's Adelaide, a building has emerged that can boldly be called a new symbol of modern scientific space. The medical and health research building, designed by Architectus, is more than 22,000 square meters of space, combining laboratories, workspaces, knowledge-sharing spaces, as well as leisure and meeting areas. The facility not only sets a new standard in academic building design, but also serves as the focal point of the emerging Flinders Village neighborhood, an ambitious project that integrates research, clinical and educational activities with the local community.
The medical and health research building has been built in the heart of Flinders University's campus in Bedford Park, in the south of Australia's Adelaide city.
photo by Trevor Main © Architectus
architecture that speaks
Even from afar, attention is drawn to the building's distinctive mass ing - a dynamic, multi-level composition of offset segments. The main part of the building is raised on massive columns that open up the first floor space, creating an accessible and inviting entrance plaza. The facade of the building was constructed from two main materials: glass and red lamellas. Large, rhythmically divided glazing illuminates the interiors with natural light while reflecting the sky and surrounding greenery, introducing visual lightness and variation.
Flinders University's medical and health research building
photo by Trevor Main © Architectus
In contrast to them stand vertical laths - intense red, made of metal or plastic - which act as sunshades. Their arrangement is not accidental: in some places they form a compact, almost monolithic plane, in others - they thin out, revealing glass fragments of the facade. This subtle rhythm and variation add depth and energy to the facade.
Flinders University Medical and Health Research Building - elevation drawing
© Architectus
The body of the building develops in a storied manner - successive floors are marked by horizontal facade strips. In the upper parts , protrusions, faults and overhangs appear, which not only enrich the geometry of the building, but also reinforce the impression of layering. The entire structure is crowned by a flat roof with the university's logo - a modest but significant accent crowning the entire composition.
The facade of the building is constructed of two main materials: glass and red fins
photo by Trevor Main © Architectus
space to support research
The designers' intention was to create a building that not only houses science, but supports it. As chief architect Andrew Schunke says, it's not just architecture - it's a research tool, designed to maximize scientific and teaching potential. Inside are state-of-the-art wet and dry labs, seminar spaces, coworking areas and social facilities. The entire facility has been conceived to foster collaboration, flexibility and interdisciplinarity. A special element is the central staircase - which has not only a communicative function, but also a social one. It is a place for meetings, conversations and movement. The handrails feature quotes and information related to health - a small yet meaningful gesture that enriches the daily use of the space.
A special element of the building is the central staircase
photo smg © Architectus
connections to place and culture
In designing this building, the architects did not cut themselves off from the local context. On the contrary, the building is in silent dialogue with the landscape and culture of the indigenous people of the area, the Kaurna people. The geometry and color scheme were inspired by the lines of the terrain and the colors of the region's sands. The facade's laths direct the eye toward selected vantage points, while the interior color scheme - which varies on each floor - alludes to the natural geological strata while helping to orient the viewer in space.
Flinders University Medical and Health Research Building - the geometry and color scheme were inspired by the lines of the terrain and the colors of the region's sands
photo by Trevor Main © Architectus
Of particular note are the art elements present in and around the building. A ceiling installation by Aunty Yvonne Koolmatrie and Karl Meyer, inspired by the acacia and medicinal heritage of indigenous communities, brings a symbolic and spiritual dimension to the space. It is complemented by a medicinal plant garden - not only beautiful, but also educational, providing a living bridge between scientific knowledge and tradition.
Ceiling installation by Aunty Yvonne Koolmatrie and Karl Meyer
photo smg © Architectus
technology and sustainability
The building is also an example of advanced scientific infrastructure. It was the first medical and research building in the world to receive WiredScore platinum certification, confirming the highest level of digital connectivity and infrastructure readiness. All spaces are designed with flexibility and the future in mind - labs can be reconfigured, and workspaces are transparent and promote informal exchange of ideas. Great emphasis has also been placed on user comfort - access to daylight, greenery, terraces, conservatories and lounge areas are not ornaments, but integral elements of the work environment, in accordance with biophilic design principles.
Inside the building are state-of-the-art wet and dry labs, seminar spaces, coworking areas and social facilities
photo smg © Architectus
openness - to the campus, people and the future
Flinders University's Medical and Health Research Building is more than a state-of-the-art facility - it is the living organism of the campus, its new gateway and focal point. Located on a slope, it naturally leads pedestrian traffic toward the central parts of the university, becoming a place not only for meetings, but also for the flow of ideas.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Architectus studio.
