Interior - Bachelors (Interior Architecture)

Elevate

trophy Awarded

This project is in collaboration with QUT Design Lab and HEAL Project to activate the corridor and space inside the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Queensland Children's Hospital. The design aims to elevate the corridor and create a connection that draws through onto the balcony to give a sense of identity, positivity and playfulness to the gathering space/hub for parents, siblings and families experiencing tough times.

Nikola Carter

HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Researching into recent successful healthcare design was important, as this space is a very sensitive one for families of patients in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Understanding and accommodating the needs of both adults and children to ensure they were comfortable, was crucial to transforming this space from a clinical, uninviting environment to a warm and hopeful atmosphere.

MODEL EXPLORATION

Utilising modelling skills to develop the concept of natural curved forms with paper was iterated further into clay model which then developed into the interactive seating components that engaged with the riverside and hillside themes that were found in the exisiting PICU.

threshold activation

circulation

Way-finding techniques and circulation are incredibly important in this PICU design as it needed to accomodate a range of users. This was achieved by keeping hallways clear enough to allow medical equipment to pass through along with symbols to represent each side of the unit. By using duck prints to represent the Riverside Unit and dog paws to indicate Hillside Unit made it easier and more engaging for younger children.

elevations

perspectives

View of hallway from entrance point

kitchenette space

exit onto balcony space

in-depth: seating

Nikola Carter

Majoring in Interior Architecture along with minoring in Architecture, Nikola has developed a passion from a young age and values designing for good. Through creating meaningful spaces with an intended purpose, that influence communities and clients positively, Nikola aims to connect spaces with the user.