Canberra Hospital Campus Masterplan

Garran, Australian Capital Territory

Creating a Cohesive Campus for Canberra Hospital

In response to the evolving healthcare needs of the ACT and surrounding regions, Studio STH was engaged by ACT Health in 2020 to develop a comprehensive campus Masterplan for Canberra Hospital. Originally established in 1975, the hospital had grown incrementally over decades, with new services and assets often added in response to funding opportunities rather than a structured long-term vision. This ad hoc expansion resulted in a fragmented campus, with limited public space, constrained site availability, and buildings reaching the end of their serviceable life cycle.

Studio STH's approach began with a detailed analysis of the site and its urban context, recognizing the need for a more cohesive, future-proofed framework. The masterplan introduced a new urban design strategy that not only modernized the campus but also strengthened its connection to the surrounding community.
By opening the hospital’s edges and introducing pedestrian-friendly pathways and green spaces, the design fosters a more welcoming and inclusive environment, bridging the gap between clinical spaces and public life.

A key challenge was balancing the hospital’s ongoing operations with the necessity for renewal. To address this, Studio STH identified a series of service precincts, carefully planned to accommodate both existing functions that needed to be retained and older assets primed for redevelopment. These precincts were designed with logical clinical linkages, ensuring an intuitive flow between services, while also integrating open spaces that enhance the well-being of patients, visitors, and staff.

The result is a Masterplan that transforms Canberra Hospital from a collection of disparate buildings into a well-integrated, legible, and adaptable healthcare campus. By prioritizing connectivity, sustainability, and the human experience, the plan ensures that the hospital remains a leading provider of acute care while evolving in alignment with future healthcare demands.