In 2016 and 2017 we worked in Sydney on the masterplan for the development of the Randwick Health Campus, a world-class campus for health services, research institutes, education and related industries.

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A shift from institutions towards people and places

The aim of the masterplan is to address the physical requirements to achieve a successful world-class health science precinct that is seamlessly integrated in the city fabric. The transition from a separated health campus and university campus to an integrated city campus is happening at a point in time where globally a new approach to developing campuses is taking shape. The principle themes that have been developed (green and healthy, connected, integrated and responsive) are testimony to this change, which focuses on a shift from institutions towards people and places.

University and research campuses around the world are putting more emphasis on their public spaces, since they recognise their ability to innovate relies not only on building world-class institutions but also largely on the opportunities for people and institutions to connect and foster creative exchange. The right balance between built and unbuilt space, places to work privately and places to meet and interconnect is vital to support and maximise the potential of all users of the campus. This includes a shift away from campuses being designed around car and vehicle circulation towards campuses that are people oriented and promote the safe and pleasant movement of people, young and old, mobile and less-mobile.

The future of health is a healthy city

The nature of health is also radically changing. To fully address the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of the community the health care system needs to shift their focus from a centralised system of treating illness towards a holistic, community based system of care which relies on proactivity, preventative and self-care to build resilient and healthy communities for the future.