Western Australian Institute for Medical Research in Perth, Australia

May 19, 2011 Category: Health, Public Buildings

Located in Perth, Australia, Western Australian Institute for Medical Research was designed by Hames Sharley. The challenge for Hames Sharley on the design of the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research has been to accommodate the changing activities of researchers operating in different fields, whilst encouraging effective interaction and collaboration. The building works from an individual or team level upwards with research spaces connected vertically, horizontally and virtually, and all spaces are designed to support the best scientific endeavour and research outcomes.

Flexibility and collaboration are key drivers for the design. Breaking with orthodox plan forms, large open labs run from north to south in the centre of the building, with offices to the west and core labs to the east. This avoids the disconnection between researchers, and also maximises natural light, external views and helps break down ‘territorial’ barriers.

Western Australian Institute for Medical Research design by Hames Sharley