'brain and mind research institute' by BVN architecture in camperdown, australia
all images courtesy BVN architecture
photographer: john gollings


sydney-based practice BVN architecture has won been awarded the best health project award
at this year's world architecture festival with their design of 'brain and mind research institute'
in camperdown, australia. the building, which is a part of the university of sydney's faculty
of medicine, consists of two floors dedicated to research on the upper levels and two clinical
floors below for consulting and patient interaction.

the jury commented, 'we found this project by BVN architecture to be an outstanding piece
of architecture in many ways - simplicity of design, response to site and brief, approach to
external appearance and materials, and carefully considered internal spaces.'



industrial site


located in a light industrial area formerly known for clothing trades, the project's facade
was heritage listed and required retention while still lending a fresh face to the facility.
a glass box was fitted on top of the two-storey facade to house the laboratories while
the people-oriented spaces are accommodated within the older components. clad in
translucent glass planks, the new box addition ensures diffused daylight to enter the labs
throughout the day while being stepped forward enough to cast a shadow on the neighboring
structures. the research sector connects to two adjoining buildings via an upper level bridge.

the materials chosen for the exterior aims to reflect the light industrial context of the site:
steel, recycled timber, and face concrete block. the same palette and materials are reflected
on the interior at a more tactile scale.



street elevation



facade detail



interior of the 'glass box'



clinical level



(right) stairs up to research levels



bridge connecting the research facilities together












lab space






site plan



floor plan / level 3



section