‍‍Charles Darwin University aimed to create a learning environment that connects theory with practice for health students. The objective was to develop a facility that supports hands-on training, reflects the Northern Territory’s environmental and cultural context, and accommodates future growth. The project required authentic simulation spaces, integration of new health technologies, and sustainable operation in a tropical climate.

‍ARCH, working with Ashford Lamaya Architects (ALA) and the consultant team, designed a sustainable Allied Health building tailored for the tropics. The facility immerses students in real-world learning through integrated clinical and preclinical simulation spaces, laboratories, and research infrastructure. Features include a twelve-bed simulated emergency department and hospital ward that safely replicate professional healthcare settings.

Simulation rooms feature virtual reality and mobile technologies, supporting interactive learning across CDU campuses. Faculty of Health staff guide students through realistic scenarios that reflect current healthcare practice.

ARCH led the stakeholder engagement, briefing, concept ideation, schematic design, and design-to-tender stages, incorporating a provision for a future infill floor, later completed by the SHAPE Australia / Hames Sharley / StudioBE design and construction team.

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