18 July 2023
Alexandria Health Centre shortlisted at World Architecture Festival Awards
MAAP are pleased to announce that Alexandria Health Centre has been shortlisted at in the 2023 World Architecture Festival Awards.
Alexandria Health Centre, designed in collaboration with Warren and Mahoney Architects, has been nominated in the Future Health category for buildings still in design - a resounding endorsement of the team's vision for the project.
The facility aims to raise awareness, promote acceptance, offer support, and aid in recovery and healing. To achieve this goal, the project has identified four key design drivers: sound clinical planning; an elevated customer experience; a considered urban response; and embedding a connection to country and Indigenous concepts of wellness.
Early engagement with Indigenous practitioners has helped to embed Indigenous values and stories into the project, connecting to place and helping to reconnect consumers to country. The building takes inspiration from the bamuru (kangaroo grass), with its soft curves and rich color. The plant provided sustenance for early communities and was integral in the regeneration of native creeks. The project draws metaphorical inspiration from this power of resurfacing knowledge and identity to create wellbeing. The materiality and composition of the façade utilizes natural materials that reference the urban fabric and have been chosen throughout to ensure the building responds to its local context.
The project places functionality, equality, and dignity for all people at the forefront of its design. Soft edges, a strong connection to nature, clear and accessible circulation and warm materiality create an environment that will be calming and comfortable to return to over time – creating a positive experience to embark on their healing journey.
Embedded through architecture, this project is committed to exceptional sustainability performance, with a particular focus on reducing built area, passive design strategies, connection to nature, and design for health and wellbeing.