Health Innovation Centre, Associated Campus Works
Client
Victoria University
Type
Education, Workplace, Sustainable
Scope
6 Buildings across 2 Stages on Footscray Park campus
Stage 1: Complete
Stage 2: Commencing Construction 2025
Location
Footscray, VIC
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land; the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and the Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation.
Designed in collaboration with NH Architecture
Outcomes
The Victoria University Health Innovation Centre (HIC) Associated Works project represents a transformative reimagining of the Footscray Park Campus. Spanning six buildings across two stages, the works enable the rollout of VU’s new Health Innovation Centre, through future-focused learning and workplace environments created within existing buildings on campus.
This project goes beyond refurbishment—delivering a mature, progressive architectural response that supports VU’s distinctive “Block Model” pedagogy, which focuses on intensive study of one subject at a time. At its heart, the design cultivates belonging, community, and educational excellence, all while elevating underutilised infrastructure into dynamic, digitally-enabled, and human-centric spaces.
The alignment with VU’s Block Model enabled unique architectural outcomes. Bespoke teacher stations, dispersed AV integration, and agile layouts create spaces that are intuitive and engaging—ideal for digitally native learners. Breakout zones, featuring warm materials and custom furnishings, are equally considered, providing spaces that are as inviting as they are functional. The project has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly from students, who were drawn to the vibrant colour palette and the sense of activation throughout the campus.
Sustainable Design
This project is a compelling example of how adaptive reuse can breathe new life into ageing campus infrastructure while meeting contemporary pedagogical and sustainability objectives. Rather than demolish and rebuild, the design team embraced the character of existing spaces, transforming them into high-performing environments that reflect VU’s educational ambition.
Sustainability guided every design and construction decision. Featuring:
Extensive use of recycled/recyclable materials
Embodied carbon assessment embedded into the design process
Durable, low-impact material selections
Waste minimisation strategies aligned with VU’s “Towards Net Zero” goals
This is a blueprint for low-impact, high-value architecture—where environmental responsibility and design excellence go hand-in-hand.
Cultural and Site Sensitivity
From the earliest stages, this project was shaped by a deep respect for place, culture, and community. Spowers collaborated with VU’s Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit to integrate “On Country” principles, including:
Material and finish selection inspired by First Nation cultural perspectives
A central breakout space with views to the Moondani Balluk Courtyard, reinforcing connection to culture
Continued engagement with First Nations staff for future stages, including a culturally significant ceiling design in the library
Consultation extended across students, staff, and learning professionals, both pre- and post-occupancy, ensuring lived user experiences informed the ongoing campus transformation.
Innovations
Innovative thinking was embedded across all aspects of the project—from pedagogy to program, sustainability to materiality. The design of the learning environments responded directly to the Block Model, moving away from traditional classroom hierarchies and instead embracing dispersed, interactive teaching strategies. Screens and whiteboards are placed throughout the spaces, supporting flexible teaching from any point in the room.
Material and finish selections were chosen for their ability to create warm, engaging environments while also meeting the demands of durability and low maintenance. By combining architectural restraint with carefully placed moments of identity and vibrancy, the design supports the diverse ways in which students and staff use and inhabit their campus.
This project is a benchmark for contemporary, inclusive, and environmentally attuned education design—proof that existing infrastructure, when reimagined with purpose, can deliver far more than expected.
Learn more about our Workplace spaces in Building K
Spowers are Principal Design Consultants for this project. This project was designed in collaboration with NH Architecture.
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