University of Tasmania School of Medicine by Lyons

The new building of the University of Tasmania School of Medicine and the Menzies Research Institute supports the aspirations of these institutions to deliver leading-edge clinical research world-class medical training. The conceptual basis for the project was to create a synergistic environment of the previous fragments of the facets of the university. The core concept is the creation of a “new culture” reinforced by the construction of the image and social planning and functional.

As a public building in the city of Hobart, invites participation from the street through the corner entry, large transparent windows and atrium space between the new building and the House Hollydene. The building acknowledges its role as a symbol of the city. A corner is marked by Liverpool and the intersection of Campbell, while on the opposite side of the building, establishing a dialogue with the landscape and vehicular movement in the Brooker Highway.

The image of the building, is derived from the abstract, from the surrounding mountains and the River Derwent. The curvilinear shape of the building is a reference to Arroyo Park nonexistent influence in shaping the city, which is linked the new building. The shape of windows on the upper levels gives occupants a means to view the spectacular scenery with a new emphasis.

A collaborative team approach and intensive coordination is required to achieve an appropriate outcome for the various needs of the building program. A range of experts from different disciplines were also required in the design development, including cultural heritage, archeology and interpretation consultants.

The Contractor in cooperation to the design team with all sub-offices to optimize the building and create design solutions side. This was particularly relevant regarding the facade, where the prefabricated units were assisted by subcontractors in the design and development to achieve a highly cost-effective solution while still meeting the design aspirations. 5-star Green Star was used as a reference tool for the classification established in the environmental strategies of the building. Among them, minimize VOCs, concrete and recycled wood flooring, galvanized steel instead of aluminum, different systems and air volume fume hoods, heat recovery coil, automated building systems, system solar hot water, as well as for energy and use daylight (high light efficiency).