Dr Chau Chak Wing Building
University of Technology Sydney building.
Sydney Health Precinct – Stage 1
Development of the Health Precinct on the Camperdown campus forms part of a strategic response by The University of Sydney to address specific challenges facing the Australian healthcare system. Notably, it seeks to place its graduates at the forefront of health innovation, learning and policy through the creation of an attractive and world class multi-disciplinary research and education precinct. Stage 1 Health Precinct Redevelopment, seeks to consolidate and accommodate the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery (FNM) and the Sydney Medical School’s Central Clinical School into a single facility fostering contemporary pedagogical approaches. Fundamental to the brief, has been the provision of ambulatory patient care within an active teaching environment. Identified as a major transformational project, the site’s close physical adjacency to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH a major tertiary healthcare facility) on the western edge of the campus, not only provides opportunities for cross-disciplinary fertilisation within the University, it will be instrumental in facilitating collaboration with RPAH and other associated research institutions in the vicinity. Through the inclusion of ‘state of the art’ clinical simulation programs and the creation of patient focused clinics, the proposal allows for unique inter-professional learning programs and multi-disciplinary research opportunities. Central to the conceptual approach, urban, and architectural response, is integration of the Wingara Mura Design Principles - The University of Sydney’s vision and commitment to ‘building opportunity, capability and rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and for valuing their indigenous culture’. Accordingly, an important aspect of the urban, and architectural response was conceptually driven by reinterpretation of traditional sites and their associated activities/rituals. To accommodate the extensive brief, staging requirements and to maximize the available site GFA, a scheme was developed around four linear volumes organized on an east west orientation. The proposal is bisected by the original north-south creek alignment, and the new access to the Charles Perkins building. This new grid establishes a layer of permeability through the site, reinforcing connectivity across the Health Precinct, RPAH and the rest of the campus. Playing a key role in the overall redevelopment of the site, Stage 1 is formed by two linear blocks connected via a light-filled atrium. Not only a fundamental component of the contextual indigenous response, but also driven by maintenance of the existing overland watercourse, cantilevered volumes are supported by prominent ‘arbor-like’ structural columns. This gesture not only forms the main entrance to the Health Precinct hub, but also establishes a dual ground plan arrangement. The Campus Place is a very public zone to the east of the main landscape zone which provides amenity within the broader University campus context. Prioritising pedestrians, it is a mixed zone for public interaction that becomes the major civic campus space associated with the Health Precinct. The approach through a shaded grove set below an existing tree canopy, is about differentiated usage, and sets up the major east-west axis of the plan. It is defined by the Gathering Place, which is a covered outdoor area set below the symbolic tree columns on either side of the entry. This space accommodates varied usages including outdoor informal teaching zones, and forms part of the 24 hour zone. Located at the intersection of the approach and the original watercourse running through the site, the atrium is the defining architectural space within the building. It creates a highly visible and internalised civic space, reinforcing the notion of transparency and permeability. Additionally, integration of the atrium within the ground plane promotes continuation of a journey through which students and users are encouraged to enter from multiple points. Rising the full height of the building, the atrium is a new public Meeting Place, the central interaction space facilitating opportunities for students, staff and the wider community to connect, engage and interact. The rational and pragmatic approach to zonal planning focuses on the notion of “natural integration and interaction” where the importance of the journey and the spaces “in between” is prioritized. Movement through the building and between floors is prompted by stairs and bridge links, not only encouraging movement between spaces, but offering informal meeting areas and breakout spaces. The intent is to provide a powerful visual representation to the public aspect of the building. Defined by a glazed wall on the western aspect, the atrium is punctuated by internal circulation bridges across every level which act to frame views to the landscape and RPAH. Additionally, natural light filters through the four framed roof lights with the spatial experience defined by the light quality of shadows and patterns through the course of the day. The Hospital Place – a more intimate entry zone to the west, links RPA to the Health Precinct. It is the formal entry zone from RPAH and the natural path for pedestrian movement. Shaded spaces and terraces will allow outdoor seating zones under the trees as well as informal teaching opportunities. The vertical arrangement is simple but responsive. Support zones are provided at the base, public spaces on the lower most accessible levels. The more specialized spaces which include the Clinic and Research Hub, are located symbolically at the L04 interface with teaching, learning and workplace zones accommodated on the upper floors. The educational and public clinic interface is further reinforced with direct public and RPAH access via an elevated walkway linking directly into the clinical floor. The buildings are restrained glazed blocks with an homogeneous layer of concrete louvers which act to unify the volumes and respond to each façade orientation. The atrium is conceived as a recessed glass sleeve mechanically operated to allow for natural ventilation and night purge of all common areas. Key to the design concept, is the integration of each of the building elements so that the building absorbs and reveals the diversity of its uses. The layer of louvers changes around the building tracking the optimal angle to provide maximum sun shading and daylight penetration. The louver’s rhythm varies exposing breakout areas, terraces and circulation corridors. Portal and window frames provide further façade articulation and clearly identify key access points and major public spaces.
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Open in Atlas MapFrequently Asked Questions
How long does the New South Wales architecture walking tour take?+
The self-guided walking tour covers approximately 5.2 km with 5 stops. Allow approximately 3 hours including 20 minutes of viewing time per building.
Is the New South Wales architecture tour free?+
Yes, this is a completely free self-guided walking tour. You can view the route on the interactive map, export it to Google Maps for navigation, and explore at your own pace.
Do I need to book the New South Wales architecture tour in advance?+
No booking is required — this is a self-guided tour that you can start at any time. All buildings can be viewed from the outside. For guided tours with expert commentary, we recommend checking GetYourGuide for local architecture tours.
What is the best time to do the New South Wales architecture walking tour?+
Morning light (before 11am) is ideal for photography of building facades. Weekdays tend to be less crowded around commercial buildings. Allow a full morning or afternoon for the complete tour.