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Placemaker: Sense of Dignity

Lifehouse represents the realization of the vision of the late Prof Chris O Brien, an acclaimed medical oncologist, to create an integrated cancer care facility on the RPA Hospital campus in Sydney. It aims to redefine the cancer patient experience across a broad continuum of care supporting the vision of a patient-focused facility, with broad-based holistic treatment programmes and a world-class clinical environment, linked with integrated research programmes.

Designed by HDR | Rice Daubney, the building responds to the nature of the cancer patient journey, and provides a unique environment for them to deal with this experience. The building is conceptually enclosing and protective without being introverted. This degree of transparency and the quality of the filtered natural light are defining architectural elements and a direct response to the vision of care to be provided. The design emphasises patient dignity, and brings a genuinely salutogenic approach to the patient experience. The commitment to the overall wellbeing of the patient is demonstrated through the provision of carefully designed waiting spaces; reflection zones; The Living Room – a patient space with no access for clinicians; the Wellness Centre, which focuses on parallel therapies; as well as the dignified design of the patient room the clinical spaces.

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
Architects: HDR | Rice Daubney
Cost: AU$250m
Completed: November 2013

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