UNSW ADA Innovation Hub fosters collaboration with the Randwick Precinct

Five projects have received seed funding to develop creative strategies for the new Health Translation Hub (HTH), a key building within the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct (RHIP).

A new collaboration between the UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA), Health Precincts (UNSW Medicine & Health) and Estate Management teams has awarded a series of $8,000 grants, facilitated by the ADA Innovation Hub. These grants will be used for research, prototyping and the development of project proposals, which will be considered in the design of the new HTH building.

The ADA Innovation Hub seeks to curate interdisciplinary teams of staff and students from across the faculty to solve problems through creativity, collaboration, and inclusion, and is led by Carly Vickers.

Bringing together educational and medical researchers, clinicians, educators, industry partners and public health officials, the UNSW HTH will support the translation of research and education into improved patient care. This collaborative approach will deliver better health outcomes to the community. In addition, it will seamlessly connect the University with public health and enable UNSW to compete at the forefront of public health research and education.

Dean of UNSW ADA, Professor Claire Annesley, said the collaboration will harness the diverse expertise available across the Faculty.

“The Health Translation Hub is a hugely important strategic initiative for UNSW. The design and integration of the building into the wider precinct is a complex project for the University and our health partners. As a faculty, we were thrilled to be part of this unique opportunity,” she said.

“By working through ADA’s Innovation Hub, we were able to bring together a unique mix of expert knowledge from across our disciplines. Our staff and students were asked to think creatively about the possibilities and recommend some ideas for the University to consider in its planning.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing the outcome of these initiatives and are excited about the interdisciplinary approach and the potential of the real-word application of these outcomes. The HTH should not be seen as just a building, but a place that will drive UNSW’s vision to realise health benefits,” said Niki Douglas, Director of Development, UNSW Estate Management.

The five projects awarded considered built form and urban design concepts around the building and its open space. They also examine program design that addresses the use of the space, including social and cultural interpretations.

Project teams had to include academic and professional staff, at least one student and representation from at least two UNSW ADA schools. Students on the projects will receive Creative Confidence Grants to be involved.

Five projects have received seed funding

1. Breathe - a distributed sound installation

A unique site-specific sound sculpture that explores our relationship to breath physically, socially and environmentally. Led by Associate Professor Oliver Bown, School of Art & Design.

2. Symbolic Roots

The project is an urban infrastructure design that acts as both wayfinding and social intervention; inspired by the connectedness of roots in nature, a constant reminder of the importance of nature in our life and for our health. Led by Karen Kriss, School of Art & Design, and Professor Oya Demirbilek, School of Built Environment.

3. Moment-us

Smart green spaces and places can have a Moment-us impact, providing a series of ‘moments’ of beauty and delight for staff, students and the wider community, producing food, managing waste and piloting innovative technologies linked to interactive visual displays as well as collecting evidence to inform the Precinct-wide rollout of interactive green infrastructure. Led by Associate Professor Paul Osmond, School of Built Environment.

4. Health Equity & Literacy Media Space (HELMS)

This project aims to offer both physical and virtual spaces to facilitate civil society and community (with an emphasis on culturally diverse communities) interfaces with and through media to engage around health equity, policy, systems and services. Led by Professor Anthony Zwi, School of Social Sciences.

5. Site first: site-specific and site-responsive art for HTH