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THE ALFRED HEALTH FOOD & BEVERAGE PRECINCT
The experience of human warmth.
In refurbishing the food and beverage precinct of Alfred Health, our goal was to create a reprieve from the clinical atmosphere of the hospital by drawing in sunlight and opting for natural materials, to craft an environment that feels truly human. For us, this is a way to show respect for the emotional needs of both patients and hospital staff.
The Brief.
Before our revitalisation, Alfred Health’s food and beverage precinct was not inspiring. In addition to the charmless aesthetic, the space did not flow properly. It was too cluttered, with poorly arranged thoroughfares that did not encourage functional circulation.
We wanted to enhance both the functionality of the space and give it a human touch. We didn’t want to build just a hospital cafeteria. Instead, we wanted to create an oasis of culture within a medical institution. A place where people could sit back and be themselves, a place to socialise or retreat.
Crafting an environment like this within a hospital is difficult, as there are regulations limiting the materials and finishes one is allowed to use. (Nothing that tends to collect dust is permitted!). Nevertheless, we mapped out the site carefully, drawing on input from patients and hospital staff. Our goal was to meet their needs while following design principles that encouraged mental and physical wellbeing.
Project Highlights.
The Beating Heart
We conceived the dining area as the “beating heart” of the complex. Everything else was designed to flow from this central hub.
To differentiate this space from the rest of the hospital, we opted for timber finishes, natural materials and soft earthy tones. We also installed a perforated acoustic ceiling to reduce noise, allowing visitors to enjoy conversations with loved ones during meals. The large circular ceiling light mimics daylight, allowing the enclosed space to feel open and lively.
To enhance flow, the seating was designed with custom banquettes that serve as visual dividers in wayfinding tools. We also spent a lot of time researching inclusive seating types for people with diverse needs. The result is a dining area that is easy to navigate and accessible to all visitors.
Client testimonial.
“Air is very accountable for the work they undertake — not just as architects but as principal consultants. They chased other consultants on our behalf and did whatever else was needed to make sure everything ran smoothly on a very complex hospital project.”
— Steven Skapetis, Capital Infrastructure Project Manager at Alfred Health
The Village
When we pitched our concept for this renovation, we named the three adjoining spaces The Beating Heart, The Sunroom and The Village. The client loved this categorisation, and these names are used on signage within the hospital. By departing from conventional terms like “cafeteria”, we gave the precinct a more human feel.
The Village is located on the southern wing of the floor. This area contains the hospital shops. The three spaces are connected with a flowing hallway designed with three strategic “pivot points”. The goal was to ensure that both patients and hospital staff can navigate the space quickly and efficiently — without getting turned around or stuck.
The Sunroom
While the dining area makes do with artificial light, the north-facing sunroom offers the real deal. We modified the facade to draw more light into this lounge area, which faces Fawkner Park. This visual connection to the park is so important — especially for patients who do not have ample access to the sun and the natural environments
