Health, Research & Laboratory Design

A significant aspect of fjc’s design process is our focus on the operability of specialist equipment. Many of our projects involve demanding technical requirements, with strict environmental controls needed to ensure optimal conditions for sensitive equipment and processes. For example, projects like the Oxford University Modular Laboratory, which we developed in collaboration with industry, required highly controlled environments for research in fields like experimental psychology and biochemistry. Here, we designed modular buildings with the flexibility to adapt to evolving research needs, offering specialist testing booths and laboratories that could accommodate cutting-edge technology.

Our design philosophy goes beyond merely functional spaces. We believe in creating adaptable environments that can evolve with the changing demands of research and healthcare. Flexibility is crucial in our projects, allowing for seamless updates and modifications over time without significant disruption. In laboratories, for example, we design flexible modules that can easily adapt to new research requirements, ensuring longevity and reducing the need for costly overhauls in the future. The Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney, for instance, incorporates flexible wet and dry labs, designed to support a wide range of disciplines and facilitate collaboration between research domains.

Interaction and transparency are also key drivers of our design approach. In several of our research and health projects, we prioritise visual connections between spaces to encourage engagement and curiosity. At the Tyree Energy Technologies Building at UNSW, we created an open plan layout that maximises interaction and collaboration. This project, which achieved 6 Star Green Star under Green Star Education v1, balances cutting-edge research needs with the flexibility required for future innovation.

Our projects also reflect a commitment to sustainability and best practice. In designing state-of-the-art facilities, fjc ensures that all aspects of environmental performance, energy efficiency, and long-term usability are considered. For example, Charles Perkins Centre was designed to minimise maintenance and energy costs, while still providing a world-class facility for research into critical health issues such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. The building’s design facilitates knowledge sharing, ensuring that the layout supports both research and teaching functions.

In each health and research project, fjc remains committed to working closely with clients, contractors, and end-users throughout all stages of the project. This approach ensures that the design intent is maintained and that the final outcome not only meets but exceeds expectations. By prioritising flexibility, transparency, and interaction, fjc’s health and research projects are designed to support cutting-edge research today while being adaptable to the demands of tomorrow.