Designed by Architectus, this centre in Broadmeadows reimagines vocational education by seamlessly integrating practical learning with technology enabled simulation spaces. It is designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of healthcare and community service professionals.

The centre represents a bold new approach to training, encouraging engagement in essential but often overlooked career paths.

Making the most of its strategic location, the Health and Community Centre of Excellence is situated next to open parkland in a lively mixed-use area. Its design focuses on visibility and accessibility, creating a learning environment that is open to the wider community.

The facade showcases hand laid brickwork that began as an interpretation of the nearby waterway and evolved into an artwork symbolising the flow of life, with cellular patterns similar to an ultrasound image.

The transparency at ground level invites members of the public, many of whom come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to see the vibrant, technology driven learning taking place inside.

Architecture & Design: Can you describe the initial vision for this project and how it evolved over time?

Architectus: Visibility, accessibility and putting ‘learning on display’ were key design drivers of the project. The design was developed from real-world observations at Bendigo TAFE and Kangan TAFE.

We had seen firsthand how students in the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) were drawn to further study simply by witnessing the activity on campus. Walking past classrooms and seeing groups of students engaged in hands-on, dynamic learning experiences sparked their curiosity and inspired them to explore new educational opportunities, ultimately leading to increased enrolments.

We sought to amplify this effect with the Centre by strategically positioning the new building along high-traffic areas frequented by existing students. We maximised exposure to engaging learning environments and designed the ground floor with large windows to showcase some of the most exciting, interactive spaces at the Centre.

This intentional transparency invites students to discover more about the programs offered and, ideally, motivates them to pursue further training in critical workforce sectors.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the design and construction phases, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges of the project was balancing the immediate needs of the campus with the long-term vision for its future development.

We needed to ensure that this building not only provided high-quality amenities and functionality but also served as a strategic first step toward realising Kangan Institute’s Broadmeadows campus master plan. Another challenge was working within a fixed budget while striving to deliver a truly aspirational building for students and educators, and the Broadmeadows community.

How did you ensure that the project met the client’s needs and expectations?

We engaged extensively with teachers, students, and industry professionals to explore the possibilities for training spaces that not only reflect current industry practices but also prepare students for the evolving workforce.

A key focus was on designing flexible, multi-purpose environments that could serve multiple cohorts and accommodate both educational and industry needs. Multiple user journeys were mapped out to analyse how different programs and learners would interact with the spaces to maximise functionality and engagement.

Our approach included benchmarking against real-world industry spaces to ensure our facilities met contemporary professional standards. This provided valuable insights into best practices and areas for innovation, helping us refine our approach and create spaces that truly support excellence in training and education.

Were there any unique or innovative techniques or materials used in this project?

We prioritised the development of industry simulation spaces to create an immersive learning environment. These spaces were designed to closely replicate real-world industry settings, allowing for multi-layered teaching experiences.

They accommodate diverse cohorts, facilitate hands-on learning, and are flexible enough to be utilised by external industry practitioners. This approach ensures that students gain practical, industry-relevant skills, bridging the gap between education and professional practice.

Regarding interesting materiality, the façade features hand-laid brick patterning that began as an interpretation of the local waterway and developed to be an artwork about the flow of life, with cellular patterns reminiscent of an ultrasound image.

How does this project fit into your broader portfolio and design philosophy?

The concept of "learning on display" is a common approach in our work; it plays a crucial role in fostering engagement, collaboration, and inspiration in educational environments. By making learning visible, we create opportunities for cross-cohort interactions where students can observe, share, and exchange ideas across disciplines, enriching the overall learning experience.

Importantly, we wanted to create engaging and inviting spaces that encourage students to explore, linger, and immerse themselves in their surroundings. When educational activities—especially those typically conducted behind closed doors—are showcased, it celebrates student work and sparks curiosity.

This philosophy extends beyond just interior design; it influences the overall architectural approach. We prioritised transparency and openness to deliver a natural, light-filled building with strong visual connections to the adjacent parkland and green space.

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